Jimmy Kimmel is without a doubt one of the most popular late-night talk show hosts of all time. The 54-year-old is the host and executive producer of the popular show ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ since 2003. He is known for his funny take on political issues, entertainment, etc.
But, there was a time when Kimmel nearly quit the popular show. He threatened to quit the ABC network if he is stopped from making Donald Trump jokes. Let’s find out what exactly happened and how the situation was handled by both parties. Keep on reading.
Read More: Jimmy Kimmel And Jimmy Fallon Switches Their Host Duties For An Elaborate April Fools’ Prank
Jimmy Kimmel Threatened To Quit Over Donald Trump Jokes
Kimmel is someone that doesn’t shy away from making jokes about anybody, be it politicians or film stars. However, there was a time when he came close to quitting over some censorship.
In the recent episode of Sticher’s “Naked Lunch” podcast, he revealed that he threatened o quit his ABC talk show, ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!‘ when ABC executives expressed apprehension over his jokes about Donald Trump.
“There was one time, right around the beginning of this whole Trump thing… maybe not quite [eight years ago],” Kimmel said. The team didn’t want to alienate the Republican viewers.
He continued, “I said listen, I get it, you’re right. I have lost half of my fanbase, maybe more. Ten years ago, among Republicans I was the most popular talk show. At least according to the research they did.”
Read More: Jimmy Kimmel Responds To Marjorie Taylor Greene Reporting Him to Capitol Police Over Will Smith Joke
Channel Feared Alienating Republicans
At the peak of Trump’s Presidential campaign, Kimmel was asked to not joke about him in his show. I get it if [blocking Trump jokes is] what they want to do“, he said.
“I said, ‘If that’s what you want to do I don’t begrudge you for it, but I’m not going to do that. If you want someone else to host the show, that’s fine with me. I’m just not going to do it like that‘,” Kimmel explained.
ABC eventually agreed to let him continue making Trump jokes. “I was serious. I couldn’t live with myself [if I didn’t grill Trump],” he added. “I want to be on the air when Donald Trump goes to jail.”
He further said, “I still believe, even after living through the O.J. [Simpson] trial, that justice triumphs in America and I know there are a billion different examples to the contrary. [But] how can you commit this many crimes and be this unethical and be this terrible and get away with it?”
Read More: Why Did Donald Trump File A $475 Million Defamation Suit Against CNN?
