Additional Coverage:
- Zohran Mamdani to reschedule local ABC town hall after Jimmy Kimmel’s show is reinstated (nbcnews.com)
Mayoral Candidate Mamdani Backs Down From ABC Town Hall Boycott After Kimmel Reinstated
New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has reversed his decision to boycott a town hall hosted by local ABC station WABC, following the reinstatement of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Mamdani had previously withdrawn from the event to protest Disney’s decision to pull “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” He criticized the network’s parent company for what he perceived as succumbing to pressure from the Trump administration.
Mamdani announced his change of heart on social media, stating, “Last week, Disney/ABC caved to Trump administration pressure. Millions of Americans helped them find their backbone. Whether you watch Jimmy Kimmel or not, today’s decision is a victory for free speech.”
Earlier, at a campaign event on Roosevelt Island, Mamdani condemned government interference in broadcasting, emphasizing the importance of the First Amendment. He criticized not only the Trump administration but also his mayoral rivals, Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams, for what he called their “cowardice” in the face of such pressure.
Mamdani’s initial decision drew criticism from both the White House and the Cuomo campaign. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson dismissed Mamdani’s stance, while Cuomo campaign spokesperson Rich Azzopardi accused him of avoiding scrutiny from the press.
ABC’s decision to pull Kimmel’s show stemmed from the host’s comments about the alleged shooter of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. This action prompted Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr to threaten action against Disney and ABC, leading Nexstar Media Group, a major affiliate group, to pre-empt Kimmel’s show.
The suspension triggered widespread criticism from Democrats and free speech advocates. Disney later announced the show’s return after discussions with Kimmel.
An upcoming mayoral debate hosted by NBC New York is scheduled for October 16.