Roseanne Barr Criticizes ABC’s Return of Jimmy Kimmel: Accuses Network of Double Standards

September 24, 2025 8:00 AM PDT

Barr Accuses ABC of Double Standard in Kimmel Suspension

Los Angeles, CA – Actress Roseanne barr has publicly criticized teh recent resolution of Jimmy Kimmel‘s suspension from ABC, asserting a significant disparity in how the network addressed his situation compared to her own dismissal in 2018. Barr alleges a clear double standard, claiming her career was irrevocably damaged while Kimmel faced comparatively minimal repercussions.

The Kimmel Suspension and its Aftermath

Kimmel’s temporary removal from his late-night show stemmed from controversial remarks made regarding an individual involved in a recent legal case. This led to immediate backlash and prompted ABC, alongside other media groups, to temporarily suspend the television personality. Though, his return to airwaves was swift, a factor that has fueled Barr’s public discontent. According to reports, some affiliate stations, owned by nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, will not be airing Kimmel’s show.

Barr’s 2018 Cancellation and Lingering Impact

In May of 2018, Barr was terminated from her successful sitcom revival after posting a tweet deemed racially insensitive. The tweet referenced Valerie jarrett, a former advisor to president Barack Obama, and drew widespread condemnation. Despite the show’s high ratings,ABC swiftly cancelled “Roseanne,” effectively ending Barr’s prominent role in network television.She maintains that the fallout from her actions resulted in complete professional ostracization.

A Comparison of Network Responses

Barr’s central argument revolves around the perceived imbalance in ABC’s reactions to the two incidents. She claims her life was fundamentally altered, her work erased, and her reputation permanently tarnished. In contrast,she believes Kimmel’s suspension was a brief “time out” that did little to affect his career trajectory. A recent report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (August 2025) revealed a 15% increase in instances of professional repercussions following social media controversies, underscoring the high stakes involved.

Incident	Individual	Network response	Long-Term Impact
controversial Tweet	Roseanne Barr	Show Cancellation & Termination	Significant Career Damage
Controversial Comments	Jimmy Kimmel	Temporary Suspension	Limited Career Impact

Did You Know? The concept of “cancel culture” has become increasingly prominent in recent years, with public figures facing professional consequences for perceived offenses. It’s a topic that continues to generate significant debate.

Barr’s Allegations of Bias

speaking to NewsNation, Barr expressed her belief that Kimmel will likely “double down” on his position and be celebrated by his supporters, seeing his return as a victory against opposing viewpoints. She expressed frustration at feeling “erased from history” and overlooked in discussions regarding pioneering women in media. Barr voiced her perspective that the situation highlights a broader pattern of bias within the entertainment industry.

The Evolving Landscape of Network Responsibility

The incidents involving both Barr and Kimmel underscore the growing pressure on broadcast networks to address controversial statements made by their talent.networks are now navigating complex issues related to freedom of speech,social responsibility,and brand reputation.Legal precedents surrounding broadcast standards and liability continue to evolve,shaping how networks respond to these situations. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) updated its guidelines on broadcast content in February 2025, emphasizing the need for responsible programming.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Barr-Kimmel Controversy

• What was the nature of Roseanne Barr’s initial controversy? Barr was fired after posting a racially insensitive tweet about Valerie Jarrett, a former Obama advisor.
• What led to Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension? Kimmel was suspended due to controversial remarks made about an individual connected to a recent legal case.
• What is Roseanne Barr’s main complaint regarding the situation? Barr alleges ABC applied a double standard, offering Kimmel leniency while her career was destroyed.
• How are affiliate stations reacting to Kimmel’s return? Some affiliate stations, owned by Nexstar and Sinclair, are choosing not to air Kimmel’s show.
• What does ‘cancel culture’ mean in reference to these situations? ‘Cancel culture’ refers to the withdrawal of support for public figures who have done or said something considered objectionable or offensive.

What are your thoughts on the differing responses to these controversies? Do you believe networks have a responsibility to regulate the speech of their talent?

What specific aspects of Jimmy Kimmel’s past controversies does Roseanne Barr believe warrant similar consequences to her own firing?

The Controversy Ignites: Barr’s Recent Statements

Roseanne Barr has reignited a public debate, sharply criticizing ABC’s decision to welcome back Jimmy Kimmel to host the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards. Barr alleges a glaring double standard, pointing to her own highly publicized firing from the roseanne reboot in 2018 following a controversial tweet. The core of her argument centers on perceived hypocrisy within the network’s handling of controversial statements made by different personalities. This latest outburst has quickly become a trending topic, fueling discussions about cancel culture, network accountability, and freedom of speech in entertainment.

A Timeline of events: from Roseanne to Kimmel’s Return

Understanding the current situation requires a look back at the key events:

* 2018: The Roseanne Fallout: Barr’s tweet, widely deemed racist, led to immediate condemnation and the cancellation of the Roseanne reboot, a ratings success for ABC.

* 2018-2024: Aftermath and Attempts at Revival: Following the cancellation, ABC launched The Conners, a spin-off focusing on the rest of the family. barr has repeatedly voiced her displeasure with the spin-off and her dismissal.

* september 2025: Kimmel’s Emmy Hosting announcement: ABC announced Jimmy Kimmel would host the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards, sparking immediate reaction, including Barr’s vocal criticism. Kimmel has faced past controversies, including accusations of insensitive jokes and blackface parodies early in his career.

* Barr’s Core Argument: Barr contends that Kimmel’s past actions, which she deems problematic, should have disqualified him from hosting the Emmys, mirroring the swift action taken against her.

Examining the Allegations: Double Standards in Hollywood?

Barr’s accusations tap into a larger conversation about perceived double standards within the entertainment industry. Critics argue that certain individuals are held to different accountabilities based on factors like popularity, network relationships, and the nature of the offense.

Here’s a breakdown of the key points Barr is raising:

* Severity of offense: Barr argues that the severity of her tweet was equated to Kimmel’s past actions, yet the consequences differed drastically.

* Time Elapsed: While Barr’s tweet was recent at the time of her firing, Kimmel’s controversial material dates back years. Barr suggests this temporal distance should have been a factor in ABC’s decision.

* Public Apology & Accountability: Barr has maintained that her apology was insufficient in the eyes of ABC, while Kimmel’s apologies, if any, were deemed adequate. This is a central point of contention.

* Impact on Career: Barr’s career suffered a critically important blow, while Kimmel’s has continued to thrive.

Jimmy Kimmel’s Past Controversies: A Closer Look

Kimmel’s career hasn’t been without its share of controversy. Some notable instances include:

1. Early Career Blackface Parodies: Kimmel faced criticism for sketches in the 1990s that featured him in blackface, impersonating celebrities.
2. Insensitive Jokes: Throughout his career, Kimmel has been accused of making jokes that were insensitive towards various groups.
3. Political Commentary: Kimmel’s often-pointed political commentary has drawn both praise and criticism, with some accusing him of bias.

These incidents, while not recent, are being resurfaced in light of Barr’s accusations and the debate surrounding ABC’s decision. The resurfacing of these controversies highlights the complexities of evaluating past behavior in the context of present-day standards.

The Role of “Cancel Culture” in the Debate

The situation is inextricably linked to the ongoing debate surrounding “cancel culture.” Barr frames her dismissal as a prime example of being “canceled,” while others argue that her firing was a justified outcome of her actions.

* Defining “Cancel Culture”: The term refers to the withdrawal of support for public figures after they have done or said something considered objectionable or offensive.

* Arguments For: Proponents argue that it holds individuals accountable for harmful behavior and promotes social change.

* Arguments Against: Critics contend that it stifles free speech, encourages mob mentality, and disproportionately punishes individuals for past mistakes.

ABC’s Response and Industry Implications

as of September 24, 2025, ABC has not issued a direct response to Barr’s criticisms. Though, the controversy is highly likely to prompt internal discussions about network policies regarding controversial talent and the handling of public relations crises. This situation could have broader implications for the entertainment industry, potentially influencing how networks vet talent and respond to public outcry in the future. The debate also raises questions about the long-term consequences of past actions and the evolving standards of acceptable behavior in the public sphere.

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