Investigation Launched into Jimmy Kimmel’s Firing
Representative Robert Garcia from California has announced an investigation into the removal of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel by ABC, seeking to uncover potential influences from the Trump administration.
Kimmel was dismissed on Wednesday evening, reportedly due to a controversial joke linking Charlie Kirk’s assassin to MAGA supporters. However, Kimmel’s ongoing conflict with former President Donald Trump and business interests needing federal approval have led to speculation about censorship and bribery as underlying motives.
Garcia, who is also the co-chair of the House Oversight Committee, emphasized the importance of defending First Amendment rights. “Every American has a duty to stand up for our First Amendment values,” Garcia stated. “We will not be silent as our freedoms are threatened by corrupt schemes and threats. Anyone who is complicit will need to answer to us.”
Following the death of Charlie Kirk, Republican figures have been scrutinizing those on the left making negative comments about Kirk. Despite the lack of clarity on the killer’s intentions, Trump and other Republicans have pointed fingers at Democrats for Kirk’s death.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced intentions to revoke visas for those who “celebrate” Kirk’s death. Additionally, Trump adviser Stephen Miller mentioned that the Justice Department would investigate “leftist organizations” allegedly connected to Kirk’s murder.
In a conversation with NPR, Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut expressed concerns about the motivations behind these actions. “They’re readying what may be a dizzying, high-volume attack on the president’s political opponents,” Murphy commented. “They’re essentially exploiting the death of Charlie Kirk to try to eliminate those who oppose the president’s agenda.”
Kimmel, known for his satirical criticism of Trump, has previously faced calls for his dismissal from the former president. Some ABC affiliates opted to preempt Kimmel’s show due to his controversial joke, with FCC Chair Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, encouraging other stations to do the same, hinting at risks to their broadcast licenses.
These local stations, largely owned by Nexstar, are currently involved in a $6.2 billion merger with Tenga, requiring FCC approval. A similar incident occurred in July when CBS removed Stephen Colbert, another Trump critic, shortly after Carr met with Skydance Media executives, who were negotiating a deal with CBS’s parent company, Paramount.
Representative Eric Swalwell, also on the House Oversight Committee, warned of upcoming scrutiny. “There’s going to be a Democratic majority in just over a year,” Swalwell remarked. “To the FCC chairperson and anyone involved in these dirty deals: get a lawyer and save your records because you’re going to be in this room answering questions.”
As of now, Jimmy Kimmel has not publicly commented on his firing.
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