AceShowbiz - Jimmy Kimmel encountered significant controversy in September 2025 after a monologue joke related to Charlie Kirk’s murder, but the recent uproar over his joke about first lady Melania Trump has not escalated to the same degree.

In 2025, Jimmy Kimmel Live! was nearly derailed when Kimmel commented on the political fallout following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. His joke addressed how some MAGA Republicans were quick to blame Democratic rhetoric for the shooting. Although the joke did not target Kirk or the assassination directly, it ignited intense backlash from conservative groups.

This time, after Kimmel made a viral joke referring to Melania Trump as an "expectant widow," the reaction has been limited mostly to social media. Unlike the previous incident, there have been no significant calls from ABC station owners or advertisers demanding Kimmel’s dismissal.

Back in September 2025, the backlash was amplified by FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who echoed social media outrage during an appearance on conservative pundit Benny Johnson’s podcast. Following that, several ABC station owners contacted Disney’s senior management with complaints about Kimmel’s remarks.

Kimmel’s original statement on the Kirk shooting was: "We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it." At the time, it was unclear which political side the shooter, Tyler Robinson, identified with. Later investigations revealed Robinson held liberal views, particularly on trans rights, which contradicted Kimmel’s earlier assumption.

Following the backlash, advertisers also raised concerns, and major affiliate groups like Nexstar and Sinclair threatened to drop Jimmy Kimmel Live! unless an apology was issued and a substantial donation was made to a conservative charity. These groups first approached the media, then Disney. Representatives from both Nexstar and Sinclair have not responded to requests for comment on the recent controversy.

On September 17, 2025, less than two days after the contentious monologue, Disney executives Dana Walden and then-CEO Bob Iger decided to preempt the show temporarily. Walden personally informed Kimmel of the decision, which resulted in Kimmel being off-air for a few nights before returning without an apology. The show resumed airing on Nexstar and Sinclair affiliates as well.

Kimmel made a joke about Melania Trump during a fake White House Correspondents Dinner segment, saying: "Look at Melania, so beautiful. Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow." This remark referenced the president’s allegedly declining health and the perception that Melania does not favor her husband.

The joke came just days before an attempted assassination of the president at the actual White House Correspondents Dinner by Cole Allen, who was apprehended before reaching the event. Allen now faces charges for attempted presidential assassination.

Despite this context, conservative supporters quickly criticized Kimmel online. Melania Trump herself publicly called on ABC to take action, while former President Donald Trump demanded on his Truth Social platform that Kimmel be immediately fired by Disney and ABC.

Nevertheless, Jimmy Kimmel Live! aired as scheduled the following night. While Kimmel acknowledged the backlash, he did not offer an apology, instead reiterating his explanation for the joke. Sources indicate that no key business partners have contacted Disney with complaints this time, which contrasts sharply with the previous incident.

One insider speculated that affiliates and advertisers may recognize the lack of merit in the current backlash, or perhaps they simply have not yet reached Disney’s new CEO Josh D’Amaro or the head of affiliate relations Susi D’Ambra-Coplan.

Meanwhile, indirect pressure on Disney is emerging behind the scenes. On Tuesday, FCC chairman Brendan Carr notified Disney that the FCC would be reviewing ABC’s broadcast license two to five years earlier than scheduled. A legal letter sent to Disney and obtained by The Hollywood Reporter stated: "The FCC determines that calling in Disney's ABC licenses for early renewal, at this time ... is essential within the meaning of agency regulations."

Disney-owned ABC stations now must file for their license renewals within 30 days. ABC has responded by preparing to challenge the FCC’s actions in court.

This early license review comes amid two ongoing FCC investigations involving Disney and ABC: one concerning the company's diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts initiated last year, and another focusing on an episode of The View featuring Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, which relates to equal opportunity regulations.

As of now, the situation around Jimmy Kimmel appears less volatile than in 2025, but the FCC’s increased scrutiny signals potential challenges ahead for Disney’s ABC stations. Whether this will affect Kimmel or the network’s programming remains to be seen.