By Gloria Ogbonna
Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel made no mention of former Rep. Eric Swalwell during Monday’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, despite the fact that his ABC program once served as the high-profile platform where the California Democrat launched his campaign for governor.
During Monday night’s broadcast, Kimmel steered clear of addressing the explosive developments surrounding Swalwell — including his decision to suspend his gubernatorial campaign and resign from Congress following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. Instead, the host devoted significant airtime to criticizing President Donald Trump, continuing a long-standing pattern of sharp monologues aimed at the former president.
Swalwell announced earlier that day that he would step down from his congressional seat and halt his run for California governor after several women accused him of inappropriate behavior.
The allegations reportedly include claims of unwanted advances, inappropriate touching, explicit messages, and incidents involving alleged drunken, non-consensual sexual encounters. Swalwell has not publicly admitted wrongdoing but acknowledged the mounting controversy as the reason for suspending his campaign and resigning.
Despite the seriousness of the accusations and Swalwell’s abrupt political exit, Kimmel did not reference the matter during his show. Instead, the late-night host focused heavily on Trump-related controversies.
Kimmel criticized the president over remarks involving Pope Leo XIV, joked about a since-deleted AI-generated image Trump said was “supposed to be me as a doctor,” mocked a “No Tax on Tips” event held at the White House, and discussed tensions involving Iran.
The omission is particularly notable given Kimmel’s previous support of Swalwell. In November, Swalwell appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to announce his candidacy for California governor. During that episode, Kimmel praised the congressman, describing him as someone who “battles daily with the forces of MAGA” and emphasizing that “the president does not like him at all.”
Swalwell used the appearance to frame himself as a political fighter. He told Kimmel and the studio audience that California needed “a fighter and a protector,” highlighting his past experience as a city council member in Dublin, California, and as a prosecutor in Oakland. He also referenced his role in congressional efforts opposing Trump, calling the president “the most corrupt president ever.”
“But I’m ready to bring this fight home,” Swalwell said during the show. “So I came here tonight, Jimmy, to tell you and your audience that I’m running to be the next governor of California.” The announcement was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Now, just months later, the campaign has collapsed amid scandal — and the once-celebratory launch site has remained silent.
Kimmel is not alone in avoiding public commentary on the controversy. Several prominent Hollywood figures who previously supported Swalwell have also refrained from speaking out since the allegations surfaced.
According to reports, celebrities associated with progressive causes and the “Me Too” movement — including Alyssa Milano, Gwyneth Paltrow, America Ferrera, Neve Campbell, and Lady Gaga — have not publicly addressed the accusations against Swalwell. Likewise, high-profile advocates of the “Time’s Up” initiative have not commented on the situation.
The silence has sparked debate among critics who argue that media personalities and activists who frequently weigh in on misconduct allegations appear reluctant to address accusations when they involve political allies. Supporters, meanwhile, suggest that investigations should be allowed to proceed before public judgments are made.
As the fallout continues, questions remain about whether more public figures — including Kimmel — will eventually respond to the controversy surrounding Swalwell’s resignation and suspended campaign.
Source Breitbart
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