Donald Trump recently made a joke similar to one cracked by Jimmy Kimmel, which led the President to call for Kimmel’s dismissal. In a speech welcoming King Charles to the US, Trump proudly mentioned his parents’ 63-year marriage before humorously acknowledging he wouldn’t match that longevity. Although Melania Trump showed no reaction to the joke, it drew parallels to Kimmel’s recent jest that caused uproar among the First Lady and Trump administration officials.
The controversial joke by Kimmel, host of ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!, was made during a show segment where he humorously imitated hosting the Correspondents’ Dinner. Referring to Melania Trump, Kimmel playfully commented on her beauty and humorously remarked, “Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow.” Kimmel later clarified that the joke was lighthearted, based on the age difference between Trump and Melania.
The situation escalated when Melania and Trump allies misconstrued the joke as inciting violence, labeling it as politically divisive and harmful. Melania criticized Kimmel’s words as corrosive, while Trump took to social media to demand Kimmel’s immediate firing by Disney and ABC. Subsequently, the Federal Communications Commission announced a review of ABC’s broadcast licenses as a repercussion, but Disney and ABC have not yet yielded to Trump’s ultimatum. This incident follows a previous suspension of Kimmel last year after offending some supporters with controversial remarks.
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