Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel addressed federal oversight on Wednesday night by noting it has been just over a year since he was pulled off the air following threats from FCC Chair Brendan Carr over a joke about the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. According to Kimmel, conditions have not improved, and the show remains under threat from the Federal Communications Commission. Shortly after the remark, actor Robert De Niro crashed the set disguised as the FCC chair, poking Kimmel with a baseball bat in a reference to his role as Al Capone in The Untouchables.
De Niro Staged Mock FCC Inspection on Set
During the surprise appearance, De Niro confronted Kimmel about the perceived regulatory pressure. “You’re being threatened by the FCC?” De Niro asked, before poking the host with the baseball bat. When Kimmel asked for his name, De Niro replied, “My name is none of your fucking business,” and stated he was conducting an inspection of the broadcast. De Niro then produced a list containing 192 insults that Kimmel had previously directed at President Donald Trump, demanding that the host submit to new conduct rules.
New Content Rules Imposed in Sketch
Under the satirical directives delivered by De Niro on the set, Kimmel would be required to follow every future insult aimed at Trump with a complimentary statement about the president. De Niro offered an example involving a joke about Jeffrey Epstein’s birthday party paired with a compliment regarding Trump’s penmanship. When Kimmel pushed back, suggesting the interaction looked like an attempt to control speech through government power, De Niro responded, “Finally! You got it.” De Niro then exited the stage after shouting an obscenity directed at the Red Sox.
Frequently Asked Questions About the FCC and Late-Night Television
Why was Jimmy Kimmel previously pulled off the air?
ABC pulled Kimmel off the air a little over a year ago after FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatened the network over a joke Kimmel made regarding the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
What movie reference did Robert De Niro make during his appearance?
De Niro poked Kimmel with a baseball bat, which served as a nod to his portrayal of mob boss Al Capone in the film The Untouchables.
How many Trump insults did the mock inspection reference?
De Niro brought a list containing 192 specific insults that Kimmel had previously directed at President Donald Trump.
