Kimmel isn’t known for being particularly principled. But this is beyond the pale.
Now Jimmy Kimmel got thrust back in the spotlight after covering for a predator.
Kimmel’s Selective Silence Speaks Volumes
Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, who once rolled out the red carpet for Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) to launch his political ambitions on national television, conveniently ignored the congressman’s abrupt downfall this week.
While Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign imploded amid serious s-xual misconduct allegations, Kimmel devoted his monologue to other topics — including President Trump’s social media activity — without uttering a word about his former guest’s scandal.
The omission highlights a pattern among certain late-night comedians who eagerly platform Democrats but look the other way when those same figures face accountability.
From Standing Ovation to Radio Silence
Last November, Swalwell used his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to announce his bid for California governor, basking in applause from the studio audience.
Kimmel introduced him warmly and later referred to him as a possible future governor of the state. Swalwell seized the moment to position himself as a savior for California:
“And our state, this great state, needs a fighter and a protector. Someone who will bring prices down, lift wages up. And we can say that we’re the fourth-largest economy in the world. And we are, and I love to brag about that. But what does that mean if you can’t afford to live here? So, I’ve been in these fights as a city council member up in Dublin, my hometown, as a prosecutor in Oakland, and taking on the most corrupt president ever in the US Congress.”
The crowd responded with enthusiastic applause and a standing ovation. Swalwell had previously shown solidarity with Kimmel by wearing a Jimmy Kimmel Live! hat on CNN when the host’s show faced temporary suspension.
Scandal Erupts — and Kimmel Pretends It Didn’t Happen
On Monday night, April 13, 2026, just hours after Swalwell announced he was suspending his campaign and resigning from Congress due to multiple allegations of s-xual misconduct (including a claim of s-xual assault by a former staffer), Kimmel said nothing.
Instead, he focused on President Trump’s posts — such as a deleted AI-generated image — a “No Tax on Tips” event, Iran negotiations, and Melania Trump’s comments on Jeffrey Epstein.
Swalwell had previously dismissed the allegations as “flat out false” and vowed to fight them. A representative for Kimmel’s show did not respond to requests for comment. Other late-night programs, including Stephen Colbert’s, also skipped the story, while Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon aired reruns.
This glaring silence from Kimmel — after giving Swalwell such a friendly platform to attack Trump and promote himself — underscores the one-sided nature of much late-night “comedy.”
When a favored Democrat stumbles under the weight of serious accusations, the laughter stops and the cameras simply move on.
