Danica Patrick offered pointed criticism of Jimmy Kimmel following his reinstatement as host of his late-night show, marking her return to the spotlight with strong comments about his recent controversies. Her statements come just after Kimmel was briefly removed from his show by network owners, reigniting debate around speech and standards in television, and placing Danica Patrick on Jimmy Kimmel in the center of public attention.
Danica Patrick’s Candid Response to Jimmy Kimmel’s Comeback
Kimmel’s removal stemmed from comments he made about Charlie Kirk’s shooter, which prompted significant backlash and concerns over free expression in the broadcast industry. Owners Nexstar and Sinclair, both affiliated with ABC, responded swiftly by pledging to take Kimmel’s show off their TV stations—a move that drew mixed public reactions.
Expressing her approval of Kimmel’s departure, Patrick publicly welcomed what she described as the return of “human decency” to the airwaves. The situation quickly evolved, however, as Disney announced Kimmel’s reinstatement, confirming his return to The Jimmy Kimmel Show the following Tuesday. Reflecting on the reversal, Patrick delivered her opinion directly to her followers, providing an unfiltered perspective on the matter.
“Totally fine. An employer has a choice to hire and fire and run a business. I don’t think he is as funny as he used to be, but that little problem will take care of itself in time. He will either start making real jokes and not stupid distasteful emotional jabs or he won’t. When I raced I never talked about politics and religion. I understood the unspoken agreement to be PC.”
– Danica Patrick, pundit and broadcaster
“All that is ever at play, is money. And you better believe if it’s not flowing, something goes. Clock is ticking again,”
she added. – Danica Patrick, pundit and broadcaster
Danica Patrick, now a pundit for Sky Sports covering Formula 1 and a media broadcaster, is recognized for her willingness to address contentious topics, much like her commentary on Kimmel’s situation.
Remembering Charlie Kirk and Patrick’s Political Involvement
Patrick’s public comments are informed by her recent participation in high-profile political events, including the Charlie Kirk memorial service in Glendale, Arizona. The event drew national figures such as Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, underscoring Kirk’s influence and the magnitude of the gathering. Patrick commemorated the occasion with a series of posts and a deeply personal message:
“Charlie would ask… God use me for your will. Well, none of us wanted this, but it seems God has a pretty big plan for you… because not even death could stop your mission. In fact, it’s stronger than ever. Well done, good and faithful servant”
– Danica Patrick, pundit and broadcaster
Her connection with Charlie Kirk extends beyond the memorial. Patrick has become increasingly active in conservative political circles, notably as a supporter of former President Trump during his second campaign. Her association with the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement and Kirk’s Turning Point USA youth organization has further solidified her status as a political commentator. Patrick appeared at AmericaFest, Turning Point USA’s annual conference, marking her first major political event in 2023 and reprising her role as a speaker at the 2024 edition.
Significance of Patrick’s Commentary and the Impact Ahead
Patrick’s remarks regarding Jimmy Kimmel highlight the broader discussion about the boundaries of humor and political discourse on national television, as well as the responsibilities of high-profile broadcasters. Her perspective, shaped by both her motorsports career and her work in the media, underlines a shift in expectations for public figures navigating controversy in entertainment.
With her own presence in broadcasting as part of the Sky Sports Formula 1 team and with experiences at landmark events such as the Indy 500, Danica Patrick’s views often resonate across sports and media audiences. As Kimmel resumes his role with the support of Disney but under scrutiny from key stakeholders like Sinclair and Nexstar, the reactions of influential voices like Patrick may influence both public opinion and future decisions in the sphere of televised media.
