Jimmy Kimmel Addresses Backlash After White House Criticism Over Melania Trump Joke

April 28, (THEWILL) — Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has responded to calls from the White House for his removal from ABC and Disney following backlash over a joke about First Lady Melania Trump.

During his April 27 episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, Kimmel said he agrees that hateful and violent rhetoric should be rejected, but suggested accountability should start at home.

“I agree that hateful and violent rhetoric is something we should reject, I do, and I think a great place to start to dial that back would be to have a conversation with your husband about it,” he said.

The remarks followed a post by Melania Trump on X, in which she called for ABC to remove Kimmel over what she described as harmful comments.

President Donald Trump also called for Kimmel’s dismissal in a post on Truth Social, saying he should be “immediately fired by Disney and ABC.”

The backlash stems from a joke Kimmel made during a parody segment on April 23 tied to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, which aired two days before a shooting incident occurred.

In the segment, he said to Melania Trump: “Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow.”

Kimmel declined to apologize for the joke, maintaining it was a “very light roast” intended to reference the 23-year age difference between the President and his wife.

He also expressed sympathy for those affected by the shooting that occurred around the event, describing it as “traumatic and scary.”

He added that criticism suggesting the joke encouraged violence was inaccurate and reaffirmed his support for free speech.

The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner has traditionally featured comedic roasts, though its format and participation have changed in recent years.

The White House and ABC have not issued further updates following Kimmel’s latest remarks.