In 2021, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel made headlines when he referred to Texas Senator Ted Cruz as a “moist, gelatinous tubeworm whose elastic-band pants are filled with an inky discharge every time he speaks.” Fast forward to the present, and Cruz has responded with commentary that may open the door for Kimmel’s return to ABC after Disney's recent decision to suspend him. Cruz's remarks, particularly his take on the classic film Goodfellas, highlight the complexities surrounding Disney's relationship with Kimmel and the potential repercussions of their actions.
Disney finds itself in a precarious position as discussions between the company and Kimmel reportedly took place recently. The company is facing backlash from both sides of the political spectrum. If they do not reinstate Kimmel, they risk alienating the talent community and losing liberal subscribers to streaming services like Hulu and Disney+. Conversely, bringing Kimmel back without a full apology for his comments regarding Charlie Kirk's alleged killer could incite outrage among MAGA supporters, leading to significant corporate backlash.
Many believe that Kimmel’s comments were taken out of context and amplified by right-wing media, serving as a tactic for FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to exert pressure on Disney. Cruz, while acknowledging his respect for Carr, warned that the firing of Kimmel could set a dangerous precedent for future administrations to silence opposing voices. He stated, “It might feel good right now to threaten Jimmy Kimmel. But when it is used to silence every conservative in America, we will regret it.”
Former Vice President Mike Pence expressed his disapproval of the FCC Chairman's involvement, emphasizing the importance of free speech. The Wall Street Journal editorial board echoed these sentiments, arguing that using government power to punish dissenters could lead to a chilling effect on free speech across the political spectrum. Their editorial criticized Kimmel’s comments as "false, callous and stupid," but asserted that they should not warrant government intervention.
Defending Kimmel, his former co-host from The Man Show, Adam Carolla, remarked on his podcast that Kimmel is fundamentally a good person, despite their political differences. He emphasized the importance of discussing disagreements rather than letting them lead to hostility. This sentiment of support for Kimmel is echoed by various figures in the entertainment industry, including David Letterman, who indicated that Kimmel is likely going to be alright amidst the turbulence.
As Disney navigates these complex waters, there is a sense of optimism among industry insiders that a resolution could be reached. Kimmel, who has been a staple of late-night television for over 20 years, is reportedly focused on ensuring the job security of his staff, especially after the recent writers' and actors' strikes. While Kimmel remains silent publicly, his friends, including Bill Simmons, have expressed renewed hope that Disney will find a way to bring him back to the airwaves. Simmons noted a shift in sentiment, suggesting that Disney must stand by Kimmel, who has significantly contributed to their brand over the years.
As discussions continue, the outcome remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the intersection of entertainment and politics is more fraught than ever. Whether Kimmel returns to ABC will depend on how Disney chooses to balance its corporate image with the values of freedom of speech and the pressures from both sides of the political spectrum.
