Scott Jennings flags Olbermann threats to FBI amid Kimmel-Kirk controversy

Conservative pundit Scott Jennings on Monday flagged deleted posts by Keith Olbermann that he described as threats to the FBI, saying the liberal commentator appeared to threaten Jennings’ life. The posts, captured in screenshots shared by Townhall columnist Dustin Grage, included the line, “You’re next, motherf–ker,” and another message urging Olbermann’s audience to “keep mugging to the camera.” Jennings retweeted the grabs and tagged FBI Director Kash Patel in his reply, prompting Olbermann’s representatives to be contacted for comment.

Olbermann’s posts, now deleted, appeared to respond to Jennings’ earlier remarks about Disney bringing Jimmy Kimmel’s ABC show back amid controversy over comments by Kimmel about Charlie Kirk. In one exchange, Jennings wrote, “So basically his employer suspended him for being an insensitive pr–k, and we don’t live in an authoritarian regime? Got it,” prompting Olbermann to respond with a series of sharp, partisan retorts. Olbermann’s side did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The FBI has not publicly confirmed an investigation in relation to the messages, saying it does not comment on or confirm the existence of investigations per policy. The episode comes amid a broader debate over civility in political discourse and the potential consequences of inflammatory online rhetoric.

Olbermann’s posts extended beyond his exchange with Jennings. He criticized Disney and ABC in posts that referenced other public figures, including a call to “burn in hell, Sinclair. Alongside Charlie Kirk.” He also attacked Republican Sen. Marco Rubio as a “political prostitute” in a reshared clip and told conservative influencer Libs of TikTok to “cry more, witch.”

Kimmel, meanwhile, was preparing to return to ABC on Tuesday, though his program would remain preempted in many markets this week. ABC and Disney indicated that the show would be available on Disney-owned streaming platforms while local stations focused on news. Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group announced that they would preempt “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in a coordinated move across their ABC-affiliate stations, citing the need to foster “an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue” in the markets they serve. Nexstar added that the show would be available nationwide via Disney’s streaming products, while its stations continued local programming. Sinclair issued a similar notice, saying it would replace the late-night program with news programming and that discussions with ABC were ongoing about the show’s return.

The sequence underscores how political tension and media coverage intersect with local broadcasting decisions, affecting audience access to late-night programming while fueling online debate over accountability and rhetoric. Observers note that while platforms and personalities on both sides of the spectrum have faced backlash for provocative posts, the specific Olbermann-to-FBI messages drew heightened attention given the threat-laden language and the involvement of a federal law-enforcement agency.

As the controversy unfolds, broadcasters emphasize a commitment to local discourse and responsible messaging, while critics argue that the rapidly evolving media environment demands clearer standards for online conduct and accountability from high-profile commentators. The FBI’s decision not to confirm or deny ongoing investigations leaves a gap in public detail, even as the Whiplash of political commentary continues to shape perceptions about safety and civility in public life.