Jimmy Kimmel, displaying a sense of self-importance, disclosed to Disney executives his intention to escalate MAGA tensions prior to his show's termination.
In a shocking turn of events, ABC has temporarily cancelled Jimmy Kimmel Live! following the host's controversial comments regarding the tragic shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
According to reports, Kimmel was preparing to meet with high-level executives on Thursday afternoon to discuss the future of his show. However, Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Dana Walden delivered the news of the cancellation to Kimmel in a phone call.
The controversy arose after Kimmel poked fun at President Donald Trump's reaction to the shooting during his segment. Disney feared that Kimmel's comments could be taken as an act of doubling down, which would further inflame tensions with conservative voters.
Kimmel had reportedly intended to address President Donald Trump's avid supporters on his next episode, simultaneously calling them out and clarifying what he was initially trying to say on air. However, sources said that if Kimmel had gone on the air, there would have been no way back from that monologue for him.
Following the announcement, a source told The Daily Mail that Kimmel "feels betrayed." Friends say the comedian is "angry but unbowed" and feels Disney caved to political pressure.
The suspected shooter was 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who was raised in a strictly Republican household and was living with his transgender partner at the time of the attack.
The cancellation of Kimmel's show has sparked outrage, with Trump supporters protesting the decision and demanding Trump's resignation. "The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED," Trump said in a statement.
SAG-AFTRA, the actors' union, has spoken out in support of Kimmel, stating that "Democracy thrives when diverse points of view are expressed. The decision to suspend airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! is the type of suppression and retaliation that endangers everyone's freedoms." They went on to say that "suppression of free speech and retaliation for speaking out on significant issues of public concern run counter to the fundamental rights we all rely on."
There are concerns about whether Kimmel would be eager to return to the air after the cancellation of his show. "Jimmy has always pushed boundaries, that's what his audience expects," an insider revealed. "The idea that one comment could sideline him after everything he's given ABC - he's gutted, but he's not sorry."
Kimmel was seen for the first time in public on Thursday afternoon, wearing black sunglasses and a navy button down in the driver's seat of his Audi. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Jimmy Kimmel Live! and its host.
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