Jimmy Kimmel Live! has become the nexus of a heated media controversy intertwined with political tensions, where late-night humor confronts the sharp edges of public debate. This situation also thrust Joy Behar into the spotlight as she vocally defended Kimmel on The View against mounting criticism. Their stories are now inseparable from a broader dialogue about freedom of speech, political retaliation, and the polarized climate shaping American entertainment in 2025.

When the gloves came off, the White House was quick to throw punches at Joy Behar, proving that defending comedy in 2025 is a high-stakes game. 

The White House's response to Joy Behar’s defense of Jimmy Kimmel was swift and harsh. Spokesperson Abigail Jackson commented on Behar's defense to be that “Joyless is probably worried about her own garbage ratings” and dismissed Kimmel as a “low-ratings loser” in an exclusive statement to Entertainment Weekly following the talk show's host's criticism of the Jimmy Kimmel Live! cancellation. Jackson emphasized that Kimmel’s suspension by ABC was purely a business decision, not about free speech, stating, “The network is under no obligation to produce an unpopular program.” 

Joy Behar’s comments came after ABC and Disney suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! following Kimmel’s remarks on the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Behar accused critics of Kimmel of being “very weak men” who “cannot take a joke,” likening them to dictators who silence comedians. However despite Jackson's comments to Entertainment Weekly, Jimmy Kimmel Live! just hosted its most-watched episode with about 6.3 million people tuning while Joy Behar's The View has been on its most-watched season in four years. 

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After days off the air, Jimmy Kimmel made his return with a monologue that was equal parts fiery and heartfelt—a masterclass in turning controversy into ratings gold. 

On September 23, 2025, Jimmy Kimmel returned to his show with an emotional monologue watched by over 6 million viewers. He thanked supporters and condemned political efforts to suppress comedians, directly calling out the president for celebrating his suspension. Joy Behar praised Kimmel’s courage, reinforcing the show’s role in confronting uncomfortable truths. 

This saga between Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Joy Behar, and the White House illustrates how late-night television has transformed into a frontline for political and cultural battles. The controversy over Kimmel’s suspension and Behar’s defense reveals deep divisions over comedy’s place in society and the limits of political dissent. Entertainment Weekly remains the primary chronicler of these events, capturing a pivotal moment in how America negotiates humor, free expression, and power.

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What do you think of the White House's attempts at thwarting support coming in for Jimmy Kimmel? Let us know in the comments below!