Trump’s FCC orders review of ABC licences after Kimmel’s ‘expectant widow’ joke

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has ordered an early licence review of ABC television stations following a joke made by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Kimmel's comment about First Lady Melania Trump, described as having "a glow like an expectant widow," was made shortly before an assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner. The Trump administration subsequently called for ABC to fire Kimmel, sparking a debate about free speech and satire. Kimmel defended his remark as a joke about the age difference between the President and First Lady, denying any intent to incite violence. A group advocating for free speech urged Disney to resist the White House's demand.

Melania Trump has urged ABC to take action against late-night host Jimmy Kimmel for a joke calling her an "expectant widow," which aired days before a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The First Lady deemed the sketch "hateful and violent," prompting the White House to call for Kimmel's dismissal. Kimmel defended the remark as a "light roast" about the age difference between President Trump and his wife, stating it was not a call for violence. The incident has drawn criticism from the White House and prompted an investigation request by the National Religious Broadcasters. Actor George Clooney also weighed in, suggesting jokes are jokes, while referencing a White House press secretary's own use of similar language.

President Donald Trump has demanded the immediate firing of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel by ABC and Walt Disney. This call follows a joke Kimmel made on Thursday about First Lady Melania Trump, describing her as having a "glow like an expectant widow" during a parody segment about the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The incident occurred shortly before a shooting incident at the Washington Hilton on Saturday, where a suspect fired at Secret Service agents, wounding one, near a gathering of journalists and politicians. Both President Trump and Melania Trump have publicly criticized Kimmel's remarks.

First Lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump have called on ABC to take action against comedian Jimmy Kimmel for a joke he made about the First Lady. Melania Trump accused Kimmel of spreading hate and deepening political division, urging ABC to "take a stand" against his "atrocious behavior." President Trump echoed this sentiment, stating Kimmel should be "immediately fired." The criticism follows a joke Kimmel made on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" likening Melania Trump to an "expectant widow," which sparked outrage from some Republicans. This incident occurs amidst growing debate in the US about free speech, polarizing rhetoric, and political violence, and follows a shooting incident outside the White House Correspondents' Association dinner.