Jimmy Kimmel’s quip about Melania Trump is protected speech, and Disney must stand tall | Margaret Sullivan
Jimmy Kimmel's joke about Melania Trump at a mock White House correspondents' dinner sparked backlash from the Trumps, who labeled it violent rhetoric, prompting FCC chair Brendan Carr to initiate unexpected license reviews of ABC stations. Disney and ABC have so far resisted pressure to remove Kimmel, signaling a shift from past responses to similar controversies. Legal and free speech advocates warn that using regulatory power to target broadcasters sets a dangerous precedent for press freedom and could lead to self-censorship.
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‘Kimmelgate the Sequel is under way.’ Photograph: Mike Blake/ReutersView image in fullscreen‘Kimmelgate the Sequel is under way.’ Photograph: Mike Blake/ReutersOpinionJimmy KimmelJimmy Kimmel’s quip about Melania Trump is protected speech, and Disney must stand tallMargaret SullivanAmericans don’t want the government to decide what TV comics can and can’t sayThu 30 Apr 2026 06.00 EDTLast modified on Thu 30 Apr 2026 09.27 EDTShareA few days before the alleged assassination attempt on Donald Trump last weekend, one comic’s joke on his late-night show sounded routine enough, if a little edgy.Taking a jab at the hefty age gap between Donald and Melania Trump, ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel – playing the role of guest comic at a mock White House correspondents’ dinner – described the first lady as having…
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