Melania Trump Criticizes Jimmy Kimmel's Joke Ahead of White House Correspondents' Dinner Shooting
Melania Trump has publicly condemned late-night host Jimmy Kimmel for a joke in which he referred to her as an "expectant widow," made just days before a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, an event she attended alongside President Trump.
The First Lady described Kimmel's comments as "hateful and violent" and called on his broadcaster, ABC, to respond to what she termed his "atrocious behavior."
On Saturday, a gunman opened fire at the dinner, an attack that authorities believe may have been aimed at members of the Trump administration. The joke in question was broadcast on Thursday during Kimmel's parody of the upcoming dinner.
"Our First Lady, Melania, is here. Look at Melania, so beautiful. Mrs Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow," Kimmel said.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Melania Trump stated that "people like Kimmel shouldn't have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to spread hate," urging ABC to "take a stand."
"His monologue about my family isn't comedy - his words are corrosive and deepens the political sickness within America," she said. "How many times will ABC's leadership enable Kimmel's atrocious behavior at the expense of our community," she wrote.
The BBC has reached out to ABC, Kimmel's network, for comment.
Background on Kimmel's Previous Controversy
Jimmy Kimmel was temporarily taken off air last September following remarks he made about the shooting of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.
During a monologue, Kimmel accused the "Maga gang"—a term referring to supporters of former President Trump—of attempting to "score political points" from Kirk's murder. His show resumed broadcasting a week later.
Upon his return, Kimmel acknowledged that some viewers found his comments about Kirk's death "ill-timed or unclear or maybe both," adding:
"I get why you're upset."
Social Media Backlash Following Resurfaced Joke
The resurfacing of Kimmel's Thursday joke after the shooting sparked significant backlash on social media, with critics accusing the comedian of promoting political violence. Numerous conservative users called for Kimmel to be removed from the airwaves.
On Saturday night, President Trump and Melania Trump were evacuated from the gala dinner after a gunman opened fire near a security checkpoint at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, D.C.
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, was subdued by agents near a staircase leading to the ballroom where the dinner was held. The event was attended by hundreds of journalists, officials, and public figures.
President Trump described the event as "a rather traumatic experience" for the First Lady.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
