Megyn Kelly slams ABC’s 'standards' as she compares Jimmy Kimmel and Chris Harrison controversy

WASHINGTON, DC: Megyn Kelly has aimed at ABC, accusing the network of double standards as she compared its handling of Jimmy Kimmel’s recent monologue to the fallout that ended Chris Harrison’s long run as host of ‘The Bachelor.’

The criticism came during the Tuesday, April 28 episode of ‘The Megyn Kelly Show’, where Kelly reacted to Kimmel’s “Alternative White House Correspondents’ Dinner” jokes that left first lady Melania Trump furious.

Kimmel had referred to Melania as having “the glow of an expectant widow,” a line that quickly drew backlash and reignited debates over boundaries in political comedy.

Megyn Kelly questions ABC’s handling of Jimmy Kimmel controversy

Kelly did not hold back as she dissected how ABC responded, or rather, didn’t respond to Kimmel’s remarks.

She pointed out what she sees as a stark contrast in how the network deals with controversy depending on who is involved.

“Oh my God, that’s the same network that is now apparently fine with, ‘She’s got the glow of an expectant widow.’ That’s fine. That’s no problem,” Kelly said.

She argued that ABC’s reaction signals a shift in standards, especially when the target of the joke is a Republican figure.

Kimmel, who has frequently criticized Donald Trump and his administration, used his monologue to take multiple shots at the first family, adding fuel to an already heated political climate.

Comparison to Chris Harrison controversy reignites debate

Kelly drew a direct comparison to Chris Harrison’s 2021 controversy, which stemmed from comments he made while discussing photos of contestant Rachael Kirkconnell attending an “Old South” themed event in 2018.

“He was making a perfectly valid point,” Kelly said, referencing Harrison’s argument that cultural perspectives had shifted over time.

After the backlash, Harrison stepped down and eventually did not return to the show - something Kelly believes was handled far more harshly than Kimmel’s situation.

“He was forced to self-flagellate in the most humiliating display by ABC Entertainment,” she said, referring to his public apology on ‘Good Morning America’, where he admitted, “I was shocked at how insensitive I was.”

Kelly added, “Chris Harrison was fired from his job of two decades. His career has never recovered because those a**holes so besmirched him as some sort of a racist.”

The political commentator went further, accusing ABC of selectively applying its standards.

“You get a total pass if you are a comedian making jokes…at the president’s expense, or that of the first lady,” she said.

“I believe we must make them play by their own rules,” Kelly continued. “Those rules don’t get bent when the party who’s been targeted and offended is a Republican victim.”

Melania Trump reacts as past Jimmy Kimmel suspension resurfaces

Melania Trump also weighed in on the controversy, posting a strong message on X condemning Kimmel’s comments.

“Kimmel’s hateful and violent rhetoric is intended to divide our country,” she wrote. “Enough is enough. It is time for ABC to take a stand.”

She questioned how long the network would continue to support the late-night host, adding, “How many times will ABC’s leadership enable Kimmel’s atrocious behavior at the expense of our community.”

While no action has been taken against Kimmel following the latest monologue, his past has resurfaced in the discussion.

The host was previously suspended after comments related to the murder of political activist Charlie Kirk, a move that sparked debate over free speech before he returned to air in September 2025.