AceShowbiz - Megyn Kelly sparked surprise among her audience by standing up for late-night host Jimmy Kimmel after President Donald Trump demanded Kimmel's termination.

Jimmy Kimmel recently faced strong criticism following a joke he made about First Lady Melania Trump during his show. The comment led to outrage, particularly among conservative groups, prompting Donald Trump to publicly call on ABC to fire the comedian.

Despite previously voicing criticism of Kimmel herself, Kelly disagreed with the president's reaction. On her program, she addressed the controversy surrounding the calls for Kimmel's dismissal and the broader implications for free speech.

"If we're gonna go by ABC/Disney's standards, then it's not good news for Jimmy. You know, the standard has to be applied even when the person offended is a Republican. But of course, ABC doesn't really operate that way," Kelly explained.

She further rejected the idea that the president should be involved in personnel decisions at private companies. "He just retweeted again today that he wants Kimmel fired. It's very inappropriate. The president of the United States should not be calling for any private company to fire any employee, especially over free speech."

The joke by Kimmel, aired shortly before a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, D.C., drew criticism from the White House. However, Kimmel clarified that his remark was meant as a commentary on the age difference between Donald Trump and the First Lady, Melania Trump.

The debate highlights ongoing tensions between freedom of expression in entertainment and political sensitivity, with Kelly emphasizing the importance of fair standards regardless of political affiliation.