Sal Iacono teases more bombshells behind Kimmel suspension saga

Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains on hiatus after ABC suspended host Jimmy Kimmel over remarks about Charlie Kirk’s death and the MAGA movement, a decision that has roiled the late-night television landscape. Sal Iacono, known to viewers as Cousin Sal, offered a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes turmoil on The Bill Simmons Podcast, saying there are “bombshells” that could still emerge. Simmons, who briefly wrote for the show, pressed Iacono for details but he declined, noting that “there are a couple bombshells still there so we’re gonna be alright, everything will be just fine.” Iacono did not provide specifics, but described the past week as tumultuous even as Kimmel and family members gathered over the weekend, a moment Iacono described as strangely normal amid the upheaval.

Iacono’s account comes days after Kimmel’s suspension, which followed remarks that criticized supporters of the MAGA movement and Charlie Kirk in the wake of Kirk’s death. The longtime host was pulled from the air on a Wednesday in a move described by network executives as addressing the controversy surrounding his remarks. In recounting the moment, Iacono said his own family’s reaction ranged from confusion to humor as they navigated the seriousness of the situation, including a moment when Kimmel’s son, Jack, asked a pointed question about the suspension.

“I know too much, it’s just very emotional,” Iacono said, before Simmons interjected that it would be best not to discuss the matter further—both men signaling that those closest to the show are not transparent about the unfolding events. The dynamic underscores the broader tension at a time when the show’s future remains unresolved and industry watchers seek clarity on when or whether Kimmel will return to the desk.

The suspension did not come with a public timetable for a comeback, and the network has offered little in the way of formal updates. Still, reporting has circulated about the measures Disney executives are weighing as they look for a path forward. A source told The New York Post that Disney officials were exploring options to bring Kimmel back to the air, but cautioned that the hosts’ future could hinge on evolving conversations, potential shifts in format, or even the possibility of stepping away from the show entirely.

As coverage of the suspension spread across entertainment and political media, voices from various corners weighed in. Some commentators urged quiet and restraint, while others condemned the remarks and called for accountability. Media figures have since offered their takes on how the situation should be resolved, highlighting the fragility of high-profile talent in a climate where public comments can provoke swift network responses. Howard Stern joined the conversation with strong commentary about the broader implications for ABC and Disney, while other outlets reported on reactions from daytime talk personalities and political commentators alike.

The conversations outside the network illustrate how intertwined late-night television has become with broader cultural and political discourse. The seriousness of the suspension, the questions about responsibility in hosting a national program, and the potential paths to reinstatement or replacement all remain at the center of industry discussions. For now, there is no official timeline for Kimmel’s return, and the people closest to the show say there is little to reveal beyond the ongoing turbulence.

In the meantime, Sal Iacono’s public hints about ongoing developments add a layer of intrigue to a story that has already unsettled fans and colleagues. The public’s appetite for updates is unlikely to subside until ABC clarifies the status of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and communicates a concrete plan for the show’s future. Until then, observers will monitor every public statement, every family conversation, and every veiled hint about what might come next in this high-profile suspension saga.