LOS ANGELES, April 30 — Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel is not expected to face disciplinary action following backlash over comments made about Melania Trump, according to a new report.
Entertainment outlet Page Six reported that ABC has no plans to suspend, fire or cancel Jimmy Kimmel Live!, despite criticism from the White House over remarks made during a recent monologue.
The network, according to the report, intends to continue production as usual, signaling that the controversy is not expected to impact the show’s schedule.
The Comment That Sparked Backlash
The controversy stems from a comedic segment in which Kimmel delivered a satirical remark referencing the former First Lady during a staged “alternative White House” sketch.
The comment quickly circulated online and drew strong reactions from political figures and commentators.
In response, Melania Trump posted a statement on social media platform X, criticizing the tone of the joke and calling it harmful and divisive.
She argued that the monologue went beyond comedy and contributed to political tension in the country.
Network Stance
Despite the backlash, ABC’s reported position suggests the broadcaster is choosing not to intervene.
According to the report, the program will continue filming on its regular schedule, with no internal changes planned at this stage.
Ongoing Debate Over Political Comedy
The incident adds to ongoing debate in the United States over the boundaries of political satire in late-night television.
Kimmel, a long-running figure in the genre, has frequently incorporated political commentary into his monologues, particularly during election cycles and high-profile public debates.
As of now, neither Kimmel nor ABC has issued additional public comments addressing the situation.
The report highlights how late-night comedy continues to intersect with political discourse, often sparking reactions far beyond the studio audience.
