The ABC network finds itself at the centre of a public dispute involving the Trumps and Jimmy Kimmel. First Lady Melania Trump has criticised Kimmel, calling his'expectant widow' jokea 'hateful and violent rhetoric.' Meanwhile, President Donald Trump encouraged the network to sack Kimmel.

Despite a direct call to terminate one of its most prominent hosts, the broadcasting giant appears to be maintaining its current roster. According to an insider, ABC is keeping Kimmel despite the first couple's call-out.

ABC has reportedly decided to stand by its longtime star, Jimmy Kimmel, following public calls for his dismissal. According to aPage Sixreport, the network currently has no plans to 'fire him.'

An ABC source spoke with Page Six and said the network "is sticking by" Kimmel and they 'don't plan to suspend him, fire him, or cancel the show.

The tipster continued saying that they are 'back to taping per usual.' 'They're moving on,' the source added.

The controversy started from Kimmel's joke in his monologue three days before the White House Correspondents' Dinner. In one scene, he mimicked the gala's format and pretended to be the host. 'Our first lady Melania is here,' Kimmel said. 'So beautiful, Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow.' However, his joke turned out to be foretelling after a shooting incident happened at the event.

ABC's decision comes in the wake of an explicit request from both Melania Trump and President Donald Trump to sever ties with the comedian. ABC's decision to keep Kimmel despite calls from the president and first lady suggests the network sees 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' as a key part of its lineup.

The controversy escalated on Monday when Melania Trump took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her deep disapproval of Kimmel's recent monologue. She specifically targeted the comedian for what she described as 'hateful and violent rhetoric.' The First Lady argued that such language is inappropriate and contributes to a toxic public discourse.

'People like Kimmel shouldn't have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to spread hate,' sheadded.

The FLOTUS has had enough and encouraged 'ABC to take a stand.' She also questioned the network's ethics, accusing ABC of protecting a host who uses his platform to target individuals unfairly.

Source: International Business Times UK