The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has received a formal complaint against late-night host Jimmy Kimmel following a controversial joke about First Lady Melania Trump. The remark, made during Kimmel's show last Thursday, suggested that Mrs. Trump had the glow of an 'expectant widow.'
Incident and Aftermath
Days after the sketch aired, a gunman attempted to storm the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday night. In the wake of the shooting, both Donald and Melania Trump have called for ABC, Kimmel's broadcaster, to take action against the comedian, accusing him of promoting violent rhetoric.
FCC Complaint Filed by NRB
The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) association has now filed a complaint with the FCC, arguing that Kimmel's comments 'when viewed in context, raise concerns about the normalization and potential incitement of political violence.' The NRB has requested a 'full and impartial investigation to determine whether federal law or Commission precedent was violated.'
Troy Miller, NRB's president and CEO, stated: 'We're seeing a pattern of violence in this country that didn't appear overnight. When influential voices joke about death or treat political opponents as disposable, it contributes to a culture where violence feels thinkable to the already unstable. National platforms carry real weight, and with that comes responsibility. That's why this warranted action.'
The FCC has not yet responded to requests for comment from The Independent.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
