On Thursday’s episode of “Late Night,” Seth Myers pretended to seek approval from Donald Trump in response to news that ABC had pulled “Jimmy Kimmel Live” into the air.
“His administration pursues a free speech crackdown, and it’s completely irrelevant. Before we start here, I just want to say that I always admired and admired Trump,” he said as the audience laughed loudly. “I always believed he was a visionary, an innovator, a great president, and even better golfer. And if you’ve ever seen me say anything negative about him, it’s just AI.”
Myers’ joke was a reference to the fact that ABC made a decision about Kimmel after FCC chairman and Trump appointee Brendan Kerr threatened legal action against recent comments on Charlie Kirk. Following Carr’s words, “Jimmy Kimmel Live” was drawn from all ABC affiliate stations owned by Nexstar and Sinclair. Production of the series was soon stopped. Kimmel’s suspension has been seen by many, including former President Barack Obama, as an attack on free speech and as a sign that threatens media companies that “doesn’t like firefighters or commentators.”
In a more serious note, Myers added: “Just as it is a privilege and an honor to do this show every night, it is a privilege and awakening every day to call Jimmy Kimmel to my friend.
If Trump has it his way, Myers and his fellow NBC late-night host Jimmy Fallon will be next on the chopping block. The president said on Wednesday, “American News: The rating that challenged Jimmy Kimmelshaw will be cancelled. Congratulations to ABC for having the courage to do what he has to do in the end. Kimmel has a worse rating than Colbert.
Kimmel fired after the Monday night broadcast. Meanwhile, he said that “Mallardmob” is “trying to characterize this child who killed Charlie Kirk as something other than one of them.” The commentary elicited responses from FCC Chairman Brendan Kerr when he appeared on Benny Johnson’s podcast on Wednesday.
In the aftermath of Kimmel’s advance, Carr wrote to X: “I would like to thank Nexstar for doing the right thing. Local broadcasters have an obligation to serve the public interest. This is an unprecedented decision, but it’s important that the broadcasters push back Disney programming, which is below the value of the community.
