ABC execs feared Trump blowback, pulled Jimmy Kimmel’s show though he crossed no lines: Report

WASHINGTON, DC: Multiple ABC executives believed Jimmy Kimmel had not crossed any editorial lines, but top brass moved to suspend him out of fear of retaliation from Donald Trump’s administration, according to a new report.

The decision came hours after Kimmel mocked Trump’s response to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, sparking panic at Disney and ABC over possible government fallout.

ABC Execs believed Jimmy Kimmel’s remarks on Charlie Kirk were not beyond acceptable limits

In the hours before ABC announced Kimmel’s suspension, executives at ABC, its parent company Disney, and affiliate stations held emergency meetings to prepare for fallout.

Two sources told Rolling Stone that “several execs believe that Kimmel said nothing over the line,” but fear of government retaliation won out.

“They were pissing themselves all day,” one ABC insider said.

The network later released a statement through Nexstar. “Nexstar’s owned and partner television stations affiliated with the ABC Television Network will preempt 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' for the foreseeable future beginning with tonight’s show."

"Nexstar strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets,” ABC announced on Wednesday, September 17.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's appearance sparked emergency meetings 

Brendan Carr, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, issued a direct warning to ABC and its affiliates.

“Look, we can do this the easy way or the hard way,” Carr told podcaster Benny Johnson. “These companies can find ways to change conduct, to take action on Kimmel or, you know, there’s going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.”

Status also reported that Carr’s appearance sparked an immediate cascade of events inside ABC, leading to a series of emergency meetings.

It was “ultimately” Disney chief executive officer Bob Iger and Disney Entertainment chief Dana Walden who pushed for Kimmel’s suspension, according to two people familiar with the matter.

Donald Trump celebrates Jimmy Kimmel’s removal after Charlie Kirk's remarks

During his controversial monologue, Kimmel mocked Trump’s response to Kirk’s assassination.

“This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he calls a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish,” Kimmel said.

He also accused MAGA Republicans of trying to recast the suspect, Tyler Robinson, for political gain.

Trump celebrated Kimmel’s removal on Truth Social early Thursday. “Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED,” he wrote. The former president called Kimmel a man of “ZERO talent” and urged NBC to axe its own late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers.