Topline
Jimmy Kimmel on Wednesday night mocked President Donald Trump’s poor approval ratings as he responded to the president’s apparent legal threat against ABC for bringing the comedian’s late-night talk show back on the air.
Jimmy Kimmel addressed Trump’s attacks against ABC and criticism of his return to air.
Disney via Getty Images
Key Facts
In his opening monologue, Kimmel talked about receiving “so many texts, from so many people” about Tuesday’s episode and then said: “I did hear from one very special friend moments after we taped our show last night,” as he pulled up the president’s Truth Social post.
In response to Trump saying, “I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back,” the comedian shot back: “I can’t believe we gave you your job back.”
Kimmel also dismissed Trump’s claim about ABC telling the White House that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” had been cancelled, saying, “No, they weren’t.”
Kimmel then read out Trump’s line about his content putting the “network in jeopardy” and said: “You hear that? There’s the threat again.”
On Trump’s apparent legal threat, Kimmel said: “Only Donald Trump would try to prove he wasn’t threatening ABC by threatening ABC.”
Kimmel then read out the line about him rotting in bad ratings as he pulled up a graphic of the president’s disapproval numbers and said: “He does know bad ratings, he has some of the worst ratings any president has ever had.”
Crucial Quote
“You almost have to feel sorry for the people who work for him who try to clean up the messes… They go to all these lengths to say, “Oh, it wasn’t coercion. The president was just musing.” And then, the second Trump is alone, he sits on the toilet. He gets his grubby little thumbs on his phone. And he immediately blows their excuses to smithereens,” Kimmel added.
What Had Trump Said About Kimmel’s Return?
In a post made just an hour before Kimmel returned to air on Tuesday, Trump claimed Kimmel gets poor ratings and “puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE.” The president then accused Kimmel of being “yet another arm” of the Democratic National Committee, without offering evidence, and suggested that airing his show “would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution.” Trump then said he will test ABC and signaled he intends to take the broadcaster to court on this matter.
What Do We Know About The Legal Threat From Disney Shareholders?
Aside from the president’s apparent threat to sue, Disney is facing another legal issue linked to the Kimmel saga. On Wednesday, a group of Disney shareholders sent a letter addressed to the company and its CEO demanding records and materials regarding the decision to take Kimmel’s show off air last week. The letter was sent by lawyers representing the AFL-CIO-affiliated union American Federation of Teachers and Reporters Without Borders—both of whom hold Disney stock. The letter, a copy of which was published by Deadline, says: “There is a credible basis to suspect that the Board and executives may have breached their fiduciary duties of loyalty, care, and good faith by placing improper political or affiliate considerations above the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.” The letter notes that the fallout of Disney’s decision to take Kimmel off air last week “sparked criticism as an attack on free speech, triggered boycotts and union support for Mr. Kimmel, and caused Disney’s stock to plummet amid fears of brand damage and concerns that Disney was complicit in succumbing to the government overreach and media censorship.”
What Documents Are Being Sought By The Shareholder Group?
The shareholders have asked Disney to share any Board documents regarding the suspension decision, details of the “decision or threat by owners and operators of ABC affiliates, including Nexstar or Sinclair” to preempt Kimmel’s show, communications with government officials among several other things. The letter also demands copies of Disney’s agreements on affiliate stations’ right to pre-empt programs, policies on “moderation, review, or censorship of late-night programming content” and details on the actual or potential impact of airing Kimmel’s show on Disney’s regulatory approvals, licenses, or other business dealings. The letter warns that if Disney fails to comply with the request the shareholder group may “initiate an action compelling such production and…pursue all available remedies.”
Further Reading
Trump Calls Jimmy Kimmel ‘Arm Of The DNC’—Signals He May Sue ABC As Comedian Returns To Air (Forbes)
Jimmy Kimmel Calls Out FCC Chair And Trump As He Returns To ABC (Forbes)
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