Jimmy Kimmel took the stage at Disney's upfront presentation in New York on Tuesday, delivering a set of jokes that touched on President Donald Trump, a reality TV scandal, and his own costly tenure at ABC. Introduced by Ryan Seacrest, the late-night host opened with self-deprecating humour about the financial impact of his 24-year career at the company, calling himself 'the worst personnel decision that Disney Corporation has ever made'.
Kimmel referenced the ongoing tension with Trump, noting that the President has 'tried to get me twice over the last six months'. He also made a pointed joke about being pulled off the air last autumn after remarks about the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, saying: 'You know, usually in order for ABC to pull you off the air, you have to throw a chair at your Mormon boyfriend.' This was a reference to Taylor Frankie Paul, star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and The Bachelorette Season 22, whose domestic disputes led to both reality series being paused.
The upfront event, held at the Javitz Center, also featured appearances from Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro, Anne Hathaway, and Olivia Rodrigo, who performed 'Drop Dead' with Kimmel's daughter. Good Morning America's Robin Roberts used her segment to mock the viewership declines of ABC's rivals and officially announced that Conan O'Brien will host the 2029 Oscars, the second-to-last ceremony before the event moves to YouTube.
