On 23/4, during a satirical segment ahead of the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, ABC host Jimmy Kimmel joked that First Lady Melania Trump "looks radiant like a woman waiting to be widowed." Two days later, on 25/4, President Donald Trump and Melania were evacuated from the White House Correspondents' Dinner at the Washington Hilton hotel after a shooting occurred. Cole Allen, 31, was arrested and charged with attempted assassination of Trump.

On 27/4, Melania expressed outrage at Kimmel's statement. She wrote on social media: "Enough is enough. It is time for ABC to take a stand. How long will ABC leadership tolerate Kimmel's harmful conduct, which damages our community?" The US First Lady added that people like Kimmel "should not have the opportunity to appear before every family every night to spread hatred." She stated: "Kimmel's statements are full of hatred and violence, aiming to divide our nation. His monologue about my family is not comedy; it is toxic and worsens the political climate in America."

President Trump also said Kimmel's joke "crossed the line," calling on Disney and ABC to "immediately fire" the host.

ABC and its parent company, Disney, have not yet commented. The incident is seen as the first test for Josh D'Amaro, who took office as Disney CEO last month.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania at the White House on 27/4. Photo: AFP

The American public reacted with mixed opinions. Some strongly criticized, suggesting ABC and Disney would face backlash if serious consequences had occurred. Others worried about the negative impact on free speech if Kimmel lost his job over a joke, arguing it could make comedians "cautious of every word."

Comedian Jimmy Kimmel is the founder and host of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!". This late-night talk show airs weekly on ABC since 2003, known for celebrity interviews, comedy skits, and widely shared clips on social media.

Last year, Kimmel was suspended for one week for making controversial comments related to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, an ally of President Trump. Kimmel's show was pulled from more than 70 ABC affiliated stations, affecting nearly one-quarter of US households. Brendan Carr, leader of the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), described Kimmel's remarks as "unprecedented bad behavior."

Trump also criticized ABC for allowing Kimmel to return afterward. He posted on Truth Social: "Why would the network want an incompetent, unfunny personality who puts their television channel at risk by broadcasting 99% garbage flattering Democrats?" President Trump has repeatedly called on broadcasters to remove comedy or news programs he dislikes or that criticize him, and has pressured regulatory agencies to revoke the licenses of stations he deems unfair.

Jimmy Kimmel attends an event in Los Angeles, California 10/2025. Photo: AFP

However, experts say broadcasters have broad freedom of speech rights under the First Amendment, including the right to make jokes that some may find offensive.

Huyen Le (According to Reuters)