Jimmy Kimmel Defends Melania Trump Joke Amid Trump's Demands for His Firing
Jimmy Kimmel hits back at Donald Trump over Melania joke row: ‘Not a call to assassination’
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel defended his joke about First Lady Melania Trump, which he claims was misinterpreted as a call to violence. President Donald Trump and Melania Trump have called for Kimmel's firing from ABC following backlash from a recent shooting incident, but Kimmel insists his comment was merely a light-hearted jab at their age difference.
- 01Jimmy Kimmel's joke about Melania Trump was intended as a light roast about their age difference.
- 02President Trump and Melania Trump have demanded Kimmel's firing from ABC and Walt Disney.
- 03Kimmel rejected any connection between his joke and a recent shooting incident at a journalist event.
- 04Public reaction to the controversy is mixed, highlighting concerns over free speech.
- 05The incident raises questions about regulatory pressure on broadcasters regarding political commentary.
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Jimmy Kimmel, the host of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*, addressed backlash over his joke about First Lady Melania Trump, stating it was misinterpreted and not a 'call to assassination.' The controversy arose after Kimmel described Melania as having 'a glow like an expectant widow' during a parody segment related to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. This comment prompted President Donald Trump and Melania Trump to demand Kimmel's firing from ABC and Walt Disney, especially following a shooting incident at a nearby event where Trump was present. Kimmel clarified that his joke was intended as a light jab at the age gap between the couple, with Trump nearing 80 and Melania being significantly younger. Despite the backlash, Kimmel emphasized that his remarks were not linked to the shooting and expressed sympathy for those affected. The public's reaction has been divided, with some warning that such demands could threaten free speech for comedians. This incident also revives scrutiny over regulatory pressures faced by broadcasters, as Trump has previously suggested revoking licenses for networks he deems hostile.
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