Jimmy Kimmel Blasted for Not Denouncing Democrat Eric Swalwell, Who Announced His Governor Campaign on Kimmel’s Show

ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel is facing criticism for failing to condemn former Congressman and Democratic candidate for governor in California, Eric Swalwell, who resigned in disgrace amid allegations of sexual misconduct, only mentioning the fallen Democratic star three days after his resignation in order to take a shot at a Republican member of Congress. Earlier this week, Mr. Swalwell – who has appeared on Kimmel’s show twice in recent years, including an appearance in which he announced his campaign for governor – suspended his campaign for governor and resigned from Congress amid lurid allegations of violent sexual assault and harassment. In his resignation letter, he admitted to “mistakes” but called the allegations “false” and vowed to fight them. Swalwell also decried what he said was a lack of due process as members of Congress were quickly moving to expel him from the House. However, on ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” – which closely covers politics and public affairs – the allegations and fall from grace of a leading candidate for governor in California – who appeared twice on the show twice in the last few years – were ignored for three days. On Thursday evening, Mr. Kimmel mentioned the allegations briefly, but only while taking a jab at Congresswoman Lauren Boebert. “We … got a sermon today from Lauren Boebert of Colorado, who had this to say about the recent exodus because of allegations of sexual misconduct by Congressmen Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales,” Mr. Kimmel said.He played a clip of Ms. Boebert telling reporters, “Go to church. Find Jesus. Why is everyone so horny around here?”Mr. Kimmel quipped, “Come on, guys, this is Congress, not a matinee of ‘Beetlejuice.’ Keep it in your pants!”His comment referred to a 2023 incident in which Ms. Boebert and her date were kicked out of a performance of “Beetlejuice” after a guest complained that she was vaping. Video from the incident also showed her groping her male companion. Ms. Boebert later apologized and said her behavior “fell short” of her values. The executive editor of the conservative watchdog, Media Research Center, Tim Graham, said on Newsmax that he was “not surprised” that Mr. Kimmel ignored the allegations against Mr. Swalwell for days.“[Mr.] Swalwell announced his gubernatorial campaign on Jimmy Kimmel’s show,” he said. “He is so clearly a Democrat-PAC, he is not a comedian.”The managing editor of NewsBusters, Curtis Houck, said it is “embarrassing” that ABC has kept Mr. Kimmel’s show on the air. On November 20, Mr. Swalwell appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and announced he was running for governor. “I came here tonight, Jimmy, to tell you and your audience that I’m running to be the next governor of California. I’m excited to do it,” Mr. Swalwell said.He received a standing ovation from the audience. The lack of reference to the allegations against the California congressman for days sparked criticism online. “This is precisely why Kimmel is ineffective despite his platform. He’s not ecumenical, he’s not fair, he favors one side to the point of propaganda. Swalwell was a big story with liberal accusers…and Kimmel ignored it. That speaks volumes,” one user wrote on X. Another user wrote, “Are you surprised? The time has come to shut them down completely!”Mr. Kimmel is known to be a prolific fundraiser for Democrats. In 2024, he emceed a fundraiser for President Biden, and he has campaigned for candidates in his home state of Nevada, which is a battleground state. Amid his sympathetic interviews with Democrats and fundraising efforts, he has developed deep connections with left-wing politicians who have, in turn, supported him. Last fall, Mr. Kimmel was suspended for roughly a week after he suggested a “MAGA gang” was responsible for the shooting of Charlie Kirk, even as Utah officials said the suspect held leftist views. During his time off the air, Mr. Swalwell was one of the Democrats in Congress who offered more than words of support for the late-night host. On September 19, a fired CNN star, Don Lemon, posted a video of Mr. Swalwell handing out hats to members of Congress. “Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) distributed Jimmy Kimmel merchandise to fellow House members following the suspension of Kimmel’s show, declaring, ‘Stand up for Jimmy,’” Mr. Lemon wrote.The video showed Democratic members of Congress, such as Dan Goldman, from New York, and Pramila Jayapal, of Washington, posing for pictures on the steps of the Capitol while wearing Mr. Swalwell’s hats and holding up shirts in support of the late-night host. Mr. Swalwell even wore the hat during an interview on CNN.The California congressman has made numerous appearances on Mr. Kimmel’s show over the years. In 2024, Mr. Kimmel took a shot at his rival, Senator Ted Cruz, and asked Mr. Swalwell if the Texas senator eats urinal cakes while he’s in the bathroom. ABC did not respond to the Sun’s request for comment by the time of publication.

Jimmy Kimmel Blasted for Not Denouncing Democrat Eric Swalwell, Who Announced His Governor Campaign on Kimmel’s Show

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