Megyn Kelly has criticised Donald Trump's calls for Disney and ABC to fire Jimmy Kimmel, describing the demand as “very inappropriate”. The former Fox News host made the comments on her podcast, “The Megyn Kelly Show”, on Thursday.
Kelly said she thought Kimmel's joke about Melania Trump having “the glow of an expectant widow” was “out of line”. However, she argued that it was wrong for the president to demand private companies fire employees over free speech issues. “The president of the United States should not be calling for any private company to fire any employee, especially over free speech,” she said.
Trump repeated his call for Kimmel's dismissal on Thursday on Truth Social, writing: “When is ABC Fake News Network firing seriously unfunny Jimmy Kimmel... People are angry. It better be soon!!!” The FCC has also ordered Disney's ABC to reapply for spectrum licenses for its eight owned-and-operated stations on an accelerated schedule. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr denied the White House pressured the agency, stating the review is related to an investigation into Disney's diversity, equity and inclusion practices.
National Association of Broadcasters chief Curtis LeGeyt called the FCC's review “nearly unprecedented” and contrary to principles of “predictability, fairness and transparency”. Carr referenced religious broadcasters' objections to Kimmel's joke, noting the National Religious Broadcasters filed a petition with the FCC calling for action against Disney.
Kimmel defended his joke on Monday, saying it was about the age difference between Donald and Melania Trump, and “not by any stretch of the definition a call to assassination”. He added that “hateful and violent rhetoric is something we should reject”.
