Dave Portnoy Weighs In on Jimmy Kimmel’s Indefinite Suspension

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy recently made headlines by expressing his support for ABC’s decision to indefinitely pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! from the air. This move has sparked conversations about cancel culture and the consequences of public statements, particularly in the realm of late-night television.

The Context of Kimmel’s Suspension

On September 17, Portnoy took to social media to share his thoughts on the situation. He noted that many were discussing the hypocrisy of cancel culture in light of Kimmel’s suspension. Portnoy defined cancel culture as the act of digging up old tweets or videos to find dirt on someone in an effort to get them fired. He emphasized that if Kimmel were to be canceled for past actions on The Man Show, that would indeed be an example of cancel culture.

Kimmel, who co-created The Man Show—a sketch comedy series aimed at a male audience—has faced backlash for his comments regarding the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Kirk was tragically shot during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University on September 10, and Kimmel’s remarks about the incident led to significant controversy.

Portnoy’s Perspective on Accountability

Portnoy articulated a distinction between cancel culture and accountability. He argued that when a person makes offensive or rude comments that are widely criticized, facing consequences for those actions is not cancel culture; it’s simply a matter of accountability. This perspective resonates with many who believe that public figures should be held responsible for their words and actions.

In a follow-up video posted on September 18, Portnoy reiterated his stance, suggesting that Kimmel’s declining ratings and the headaches caused for ABC made the decision to suspend the show a practical one. He stated, “This is simply a case of the juice not being worth the squeeze for an employer with an employee causing major headaches.”

The Fallout from Kimmel’s Comments

The decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! was confirmed by an ABC spokesperson, who stated that the show would be pre-empted indefinitely. This decision came after Nexstar Media, one of the largest owners of TV stations in the U.S., threatened to cut the show due to Kimmel’s comments about Kirk’s murder. Nexstar expressed strong objections to Kimmel’s remarks, indicating that they would replace the show with other programming in their ABC-affiliated markets.

Kimmel’s comments during the September 15 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! included critiques of the political landscape surrounding Kirk’s murder. He accused the "MAGA gang" of attempting to manipulate the narrative for political gain, stating, “We hit some new lows over the weekend…”

Kimmel’s Critique of Political Figures

Kimmel didn’t stop at criticizing the political right; he also directed his ire toward President Donald Trump, who was a close ally of Kirk. Kimmel’s remarks about Trump’s lack of empathy in the aftermath of Kirk’s death drew further attention, as he likened Trump’s behavior to that of a child mourning a pet. This level of critique is not uncommon in late-night television, where hosts often blend humor with political commentary.

Portnoy’s Own Controversies

Interestingly, Portnoy himself has faced scrutiny for his past actions. He recently apologized for his role in spreading a false rumor about an Ole Miss college student, acknowledging the pain it caused her family. He expressed regret and stated his intention to improve Barstool’s editorial standards moving forward.

This admission adds a layer of complexity to Portnoy’s commentary on Kimmel, as it highlights the fine line between accountability and cancel culture that both figures navigate in their respective careers.

The Broader Implications

The situation surrounding Kimmel’s suspension raises important questions about the nature of public discourse, accountability, and the evolving landscape of late-night television. As audiences become increasingly vocal about the content they consume, the repercussions for public figures can be swift and severe.

Portnoy’s insights reflect a growing sentiment that while accountability is necessary, the line between accountability and cancel culture can often blur, leading to heated debates about freedom of speech, public responsibility, and the role of media in shaping narratives.