Backlash Mounts Towards Kimmel, ABC as Critics Accuse Liberal Host of Excusing Tesla Arson Attacks

ABC and its late-night host Jimmy Kimmel are under fire after the comedian appeared to make light of the recent spike in violent attacks on Tesla vehicles and dealerships. During his Tuesday night monologue, Kimmel targeted Tesla CEO Elon Musk, mocking the company’s plummeting stock value and prompting cheers from his audience.

In what some critics interpreted as dangerously flippant, Kimmel quipped, "People have been vandalizing Tesla vehicles, new Tesla vehicles. Please don't vandalize—don't ever vandalize Tesla vehicles," before pausing with a smirk. Musk didn’t hold back, labeling Kimmel an "unfunny jerk" in a response on X.

The controversy only escalated when Kimmel doubled down the next night, referencing the recent arson of Tesla cars in Las Vegas. "Authorities are now investigating which Teslas were set on fire — and which set themselves on fire," he joked. While he did condemn acts of arson, his commentary pivoted to criticize Musk’s alleged disregard for American workers. Kimmel also took a swipe at right-wing critics, sarcastically referencing their stance on violent protests post-Jan. 6.

Disney-owned ABC, historically perceived as a liberal network, is facing renewed scrutiny. Though the network made efforts to smooth relations with conservatives, such as settling a defamation lawsuit with Donald Trump, the Kimmel saga has reignited tensions. Prominent voices like Fox News' Sean Hannity slammed both Kimmel and Disney CEO Bob Iger, accusing them of glorifying violence. Hannity asked, "Bob, are you OK with this seeming glorification of violence? Is this the inclusive woke, DEI, ABC Disney brand?"

Utah Senator Mike Lee echoed similar concerns, questioning whether ABC condones Kimmel’s "on-air incitement of criminal behavior." CNN’s Scott Jennings suggested the incident reflects broader efforts by the Left to silence conservatives, calling Kimmel’s remarks "marching orders" rather than comedy.

Adding to the criticism, Fox News contributor Joe Concha dubbed it the "Antifa era in late night." Former Vice President JD Vance chimed in, dismissing Kimmel’s audience as a "far-left outlier," noting that his show’s humor is so niche and political it likely doesn’t represent the broader American public.

ABC has yet to issue a comment on the matter, leaving the backlash to simmer. With voices from both political and media spheres weighing in, the debate over Kimmel’s remarks highlights growing divisions in late-night television, where comedy increasingly intersects with politics.