Melania Trump Urges ABC to Fire Jimmy Kimmel, 'Widow' Joke Sparks Anger

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - First Lady Melania Trump has publicly called for the firing of host Jimmy Kimmel from ABC after Kimmel made a controversial joke referring to a "widow" during his monologue last week.

Jimmy Kimmel made the joke on Thursday, April 23, 2026, on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!".

Kimmel described Melania Trump as having "the glow of a widow in waiting," which was later interpreted as a dig at President Trump's age and health.

Melania Trump reacted sharply on Monday, April 27, 2026, asserting that Kimmel's rhetoric was "hateful and violent."

Melania Trump not only called Kimmel's words "corrosive" but also accused him of deepening "the political disease in America."

She also denounced Kimmel as a "coward" who hides behind ABC's protection.

The call for his dismissal was fully supported by President Donald Trump, who deemed the joke a "vile call to violence" and linked it to recent security incidents.

The joke that sparked a storm of criticism was made by Jimmy Kimmel during a simulated White House Correspondents' Dinner on his show.

He mocked Melania Trump with the phrase "a glow like an expectant widow," a statement that immediately sparked negative interpretations.

"Our First Lady, Melania, is here. Look at Melania, so beautiful. Mrs Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow," Kimmel said.

Kimmel, known for his satirical style of comedy, often targets political figures in his monologues.

However, this particular joke was considered out of place, especially by the Trump family.

The context of the joke was part of a routine where Kimmel imagined himself hosting the White House Correspondents' Dinner, an event often used as a venue for political satire.

Melania Trump responded strongly to Jimmy Kimmel's joke, calling on ABC to fire him immediately.

She described Kimmel's rhetoric as "hateful and violent" and aimed at dividing the nation.

In a post on X on Monday, Melania Trump said "people like Kimmel shouldn't have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to spread hate", and urged ABC to "take a stand".

The First Lady also added that Jimmy Kimmel's words were "corrosive" and deepened "the political sickness in America."

"His monologue about my family isn't comedy - his words are corrosive and deepens the political sickness within America," she said. "How many times will ABC's leadership enable Kimmel's atrocious behavior at the expense of our community."

In a post on Truth Social on Monday afternoon, US President Donald Trump said he appreciated that many people were "outraged by Kimmel's remarks," and claimed they were a "call to violence."

"[T]his is something far beyond the pale. Jimmy Kimmel should be immediately fired by Disney and ABC," he wrote.

This isn't the first time Jimmy Kimmel has faced calls for his dismissal from the Trump family or its allies.

About seven months earlier, in September 2025, Kimmel was briefly suspended by ABC for comments he made following the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

At the time, Kimmel suggested that the suspected shooter might be a pro-Trump Republican.

The comments sparked outrage on social media and demands from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr for ABC action.

Nexstar Media Group, which controls 32 ABC affiliates, even temporarily suspended "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" in protest.

To date, neither ABC nor Disney has officially responded to requests for comment regarding the April 2026 controversy.

This controversy also presents a significant early test for Disney's new CEO, Josh D'Amaro.

He faces difficult decisions that could impact the company's image and relationships with political figures.

How Disney and ABC handle the Jimmy Kimmel situation will be a key indicator of their future policies regarding content and freedom of expression.