By Gloria Ogbonna
Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep made headlines last week after appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to promote the upcoming Disney sequel The Devil Wears Prada 2, but her visit quickly took on a political tone as she openly praised host Jimmy Kimmel during his ongoing public feud with President Donald Trump.
Streep, known for her outspoken political views, greeted Kimmel warmly as she took her seat on stage.
“How are you?” she asked.
“I’m holding up,” Kimmel replied, referencing the mounting criticism and controversy surrounding his recent remarks about First Lady Melania Trump.
Streep responded with glowing admiration. “You’re a prince. You are a Knight Templar,” she said. “You’re carrying the banner of freedom of the press.”
Kimmel attempted to downplay her praise, replying, “I’m just trying to do some jokes.”
But Streep doubled down on her support, emphasizing what she believes is the broader significance of his platform. “We all depend on you — and the world is listening. I’ve just come from around the world,” she said, suggesting that Kimmel’s voice resonates beyond American audiences.
The exchange came amid heightened controversy after Kimmel referred to First Lady Melania Trump as an “expectant widow” during a recent broadcast. The comment sparked fierce backlash from President Trump and his supporters, particularly because it was made only days before an armed donor linked to Vice President Kamala Harris allegedly attempted to assassinate the president at last week’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
President Trump and the First Lady both publicly criticized Kimmel’s remarks, with calls for Walt Disney Company, the parent company of ABC, to terminate his contract. Kimmel responded during a subsequent episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! by repeating the controversial line and defending himself, arguing that his role as a late-night host involves political satire and commentary.
Despite the uproar, Disney has not issued an official public statement addressing the situation. Reports indicate that executives have sought to minimize the political fallout and frame the matter as part of the broader landscape of late-night comedy, which often intersects with partisan politics.
The controversy also comes shortly after ABC announced in December that Kimmel had signed a one-year contract extension before his previous agreement was set to expire in May. The renewal ensures that Kimmel will remain on air as Disney’s flagship late-night host through at least May 2027.
As tensions continue between Kimmel and the president, Streep’s high-profile show of support adds another layer to the unfolding drama — highlighting once again how Hollywood, politics, and late-night television remain deeply intertwined in America’s cultural conversation.
Original article
Comments