Molly McNearney steps out as ABC suspends Jimmy Kimmel, fueling Hollywood discourse
Wife of the late-night host was seen in Los Angeles as the network pauses Kimmel amid controversy surrounding his suspension; commentator Howard Stern weighs in
ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel indefinitely after controversial remarks tied to a political figure, a move that has sparked a swift Hollywood discussion about editorial boundaries and corporate discipline. The decision has sent shockwaves through late-night TV and prompted a broad online debate about accountability in entertainment and politics, with Kimmel’s team and colleagues remaining largely quiet publicly as the network processes the fallout.
Molly McNearney, 47, a longtime writer who served as co-head writer on Jimmy Kimmel Live! from 2008 to 2023, was photographed in Los Angeles on Sunday. She walked with her eight-year-old son, Billy, and their dog, wearing a light blue hoodie, black leggings, oversized sunglasses and sneakers, signaling a low-key day away from the spotlight.
Howard Stern weighed in on the matter on his Monday SiriusXM show, defending Kimmel and McNearney while criticizing ABC’s move. He described the controversy as spiraling beyond what he viewed as a reasonable response, calling the network’s action dumb and horrible and suggesting the public dispute is a distraction from broader national issues, such as inflation and energy costs. Stern said the suspension involved a network decision around a long-time friend and colleague, adding that the pair are two of the funniest people he has met and that his voice was not needed to recognize the gravity of what happened at ABC.
Neither Kimmel nor McNearney has publicly commented on the suspension. The couple, married for about 12 years, are parents to daughter Jane, 11, and son Billy, 8; Billy’s open-heart surgery at a young age was widely reported in 2017 and has been a notable aspect of their family narrative. McNearney is also stepmother to Kimmel’s two adult children from his prior marriage, expanding the family dynamic as both maintain high-profile careers in and around Hollywood.
McNearney’s professional background includes writing material for the Oscars in multiple years and projects beyond Kimmel Live!, including Freeform’s Chrissy & Dave Dine Out in 2024. She began as a writer’s assistant in 2004, later rising to co-head writer for Kimmel Live! for a 15-year span. The couple’s collaboration has long been a defining element of the show’s creative voice, with McNearney often described as an essential contributor behind the scenes.
Industry observers note that the suspension could have ripple effects beyond Kimmel’s program, including questions about his involvement with other hosting roles such as the rebooted Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. No official announcements have been made about his status on those projects, and industry executives have not disclosed timelines for a potential return or additional changes.
Trump’s post on Truth Social praising ABC’s decision has added a political layer to the situation, with supporters framing the move as a broader stance against outspoken hosts. The entertainment industry, however, continues to monitor the evolving situation as networks reassess editorial boundaries, staffing, and the boundaries between entertainment and political commentary in a charged cultural climate.