Molly McNearney slams Trump as 'thin-skinned' over Kimmel show suspension

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA: Molly McNearney, executive producer of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ and wife of Jimmy Kimmel, sharply criticized President Donald Trump for what she described as threats to free speech after her husband's show was briefly pulled from the air.

Her remarks came during a speech at The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment breakfast in Los Angeles on Wednesday, December 3, where she addressed the removal of the late-night program.

Molly McNearney takes aim at Donald Trump and his administration

McNearney, a television writer and producer, detailed the personal impact of the political fallout on her husband and colleagues.

"I watched a show, coworkers, friends, and the man I love be put on 'indefinite suspension' after our thin-skinned president requested his removal and his FCC chair publicly threatened the company we work for," she said.

ABC temporarily suspended the show on September 17 after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr threatened to revoke the network's broadcasting license over a monologue by Kimmel following the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. In the segment, Kimmel criticized political exploitation of the tragedy.

Molly McNearney shares fear of losing freedom of speech

The producer reflected on how fragile freedom of speech felt in light of the events of September 2025.

"It's something that I took for granted, something I thought I'd always have," McNearney said.

"Like my period. Did you guys know that those just stop? Your period stops. And it turns out your freedom in this country can too," she added humorously.

McNearney claimed Trump had threatened the show's team multiple times during a period when comedy in America was increasingly treated as the "enemy." The suspension drew widespread outrage, while Trump insisted Kimmel was fired for "lack of talent" and "bad ratings."

'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' returns as Molly McNearney discusses family cuts

Disney announced the show's return on September 22, and Kimmel delivered an emotional comeback monologue, offering sympathy to Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, which became his most-watched monologue ever.

Despite the fear the suspension caused, McNearney and Kimmel described their state as being in "mourning" during a November podcast appearance. On 'We Can Do Hard Things,' McNearney said, "I really love getting under his skin," and revealed that she had cut ties with family members who support the president.

Her speech concluded with a message to the audience: "We got knocked down, and with all of you, you helped us get back up. And I cannot thank you enough." She added, "When we're scared, and when we are distracted, we lose our freedom. And fear's contagious. But the good news is, so is bravery.”