Stern Defends Kimmel to ABC as Show’s Future Remains Unsettled

Howard Stern used an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to defend Jimmy Kimmel to ABC, saying the network should consider the host’s loyalty as it weighs the show’s future. Stern said he had heard rumors about the program but did not know whether they were true, and warned that ABC would face “hell to pay” if something went wrong with Kimmel’s show. Stern pointed to Kimmel’s attendance at ABC events, including gatherings for advertisers and charity events, as evidence of his commitment to the network. Those examples were Stern’s account of Kimmel’s conduct and motives. Kimmel thanked Stern during the exchange. The appearance followed a separate dispute on Stern’s radio show over Kimmel’s friendship with fellow late-night host Jimmy Fallon. Stern said Kimmel did not enjoy Fallon’s company and suggested that Kimmel was presenting their friendship to show that competing hosts can get along. Kimmel rejected the claim, saying Fallon was fun to be around and that he would not spend his limited free time maintaining a pretend friendship. He also said he was going to dinner with Fallon that week. The two hosts’ accounts leave the nature of their friendship disputed.