Kimmel pushes back against White House criticism of expectant widow joke

April 28, 2026 • Google News World

Here is a rewritten version of the news article in a neutral newsroom style:

ABC Hosts Face Backlash Over Joke About Expectant Widow

Jimmy Kimmel, host of ABC’s late-night show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, has faced criticism from the White House and First Lady Melania Trump over a joke he made about an expectant widow. The joke, which aired during a recent episode of the show, was deemed “hateful” by some.

The White House and Mrs. Trump have called for ABC to fire Mr. Kimmel over the incident. In a statement, Mrs. Trump expressed her disappointment with the network’s response to the controversy, saying that they should take a stand against what she described as a “hateful” joke.

ABC has not commented on whether it plans to take any action against Mr. Kimmel or his show. The network has released a statement saying that it is committed to providing a platform for comedians to express themselves freely, but also acknowledges the potential impact of their content on certain groups.

The controversy surrounding Mr. Kimmel’s joke has sparked a wider debate about free speech and the role of comedy in society. Some have defended Mr. Kimmel’s right to make jokes, while others have called for greater sensitivity and respect for those who may be offended by his content.

As the situation continues to unfold, ABC remains tight-lipped on whether it will take any action against Mr. Kimmel or his show.

Source: Google News World