Overview
- Channel 4’s Alternative Christmas Message aired on Dec. 25 and featured Jimmy Kimmel labeling President Trump “King Donny the VIII” and accusing him of trying to silence critics.
- Kimmel said “the American government made a threat” and described ABC taking Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air in September after his remarks tied to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
- He credited protests and industry support with the show’s return within a week, declaring, “We won, the president lost,” and vowed to keep challenging the administration.
- The address warned that U.S. democratic institutions — including the free press, science, medicine, and judicial independence — are under strain, and urged British viewers not to “give up on us,” asking for “about three years.”
- Channel 4 said Kimmel has been on the “frontline” of a free-speech fight, and Disney has extended his ABC contract through May 2027.