Former US President Donald Trump has ignited a firestorm by issuing a direct threat to ABC and its high-profile host Jimmy Kimmel, following what he describes as a deliberately "unfair" and "fraudulently edited" interview.
The Interview That Sparked the Fury
The controversy stems from a recent sit-down conversation between Trump and Kimmel, which was intended to cover a range of political topics. According to Trump, the final broadcast was a distorted version of events, pieced together with malicious intent to present him in a negative light.
In a characteristically blunt post on his Truth Social platform, the former President did not mince words. He accused Kimmel and the network of deceptive practices, suggesting the editing was so severe it constituted fraud.
Trump's Legal Threat and Vow
The heart of Trump's response contains a clear warning. He explicitly stated that he is exploring legal options against the broadcaster. Furthermore, he declared that he would "never do anything with ABC or Jimmy Kimmel again," signalling a permanent rupture in relations.
This is not the first time Trump has clashed with the media over editorial control, but the threat of legal action marks a significant escalation. His statement underscores his long-standing belief that mainstream media outlets are biased against him.
A History of Tension
The relationship between Trump and Kimmel has been strained for years. Kimmel, who hosts one of America's most popular late-night shows, has frequently used his monologue to critique and satirise the former President. This latest incident moves their feud from the realm of comedy into a serious legal and professional dispute.
The fallout from this threat remains to be seen. It raises immediate questions about the boundaries of editorial discretion and the potential for public figures to challenge media narratives through litigation. For now, ABC has yet to issue a public response to the former President's allegations.
