Outrage Erupts Over Jimmy Kimmel as Critics Accuse ABC Host of Mocking Tesla Arson Attacks, Fueling Violence Debate

The backlash against late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and Disney-owned ABC is reaching a boiling point after Kimmel was accused of downplaying — even mocking — the recent surge of violent attacks targeting Tesla vehicles and dealerships.

During his Tuesday night monologue, Kimmel took aim at Tesla CEO Elon Musk, ridiculing the company’s plummeting stock and sarcastically commenting on the wave of vandalism against Tesla cars.

“Please don’t vandalize — don’t ever vandalize Tesla vehicles,” Kimmel said with a smirk and comedic pause, triggering loud cheers from his liberal-leaning studio audience.

Musk wasted no time firing back on X (formerly Twitter), calling Kimmel “such an unfunny jerk.”

Kimmel Doubles Down, Sparks Fury

On Wednesday night, Kimmel addressed the controversy again — this time with more biting sarcasm.

“I mentioned last night multiple Teslas were burned at a Tesla facility in Las Vegas.

Authorities are now investigating which Teslas were set on fire — and which set themselves on fire,” Kimmel joked, referencing past reports of spontaneous Tesla battery fires.

While Kimmel briefly noted, “No one should be setting anything on fire, ever,” he quickly pivoted to attacking Musk over recent layoffs, accusing him of gleefully putting “thousands of Americans out of work, including veterans.”

Conservative critics were quick to pounce, accusing Kimmel of minimizing criminal behavior while ABC stood by in silence.

Disney Under Fire: “Is This What You Stand For?”

Fox News’ Sean Hannity torched both Kimmel and Disney CEO Bob Iger, asking: “Bob, is this the ‘inclusive’ and ‘woke’ brand you’re proud of? Are you OK with glorifying violence against a U.S. company?”

Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) echoed the criticism, demanding to know if ABC condones what he called “on-air incitement of criminal behavior.”

Fox News contributor Joe Concha went even further, accusing ABC of allowing Kimmel to “advocate firebombings” and comparing the moment to an “Antifa era in late-night television.”

Musk-Trump Alliance Reacts

JD Vance, now Vice President, weighed in as well, calling Kimmel’s audience “humorless scolds” and suggesting his far-left rhetoric was out of touch with most Americans.

“This isn’t comedy anymore,” said CNN commentator Scott Jennings.

“It’s a warning from the American Left: stay silent, or suffer the consequences.”

ABC Silent as Firestorm Grows

As of now, ABC has not issued any public response to the controversy — a silence critics argue speaks volumes.

Meanwhile, federal authorities have charged suspected Tesla arsonists in Las Vegas with domestic terrorism, heightening the stakes around what many view as an escalating cultural battle over political violence, free speech, and media responsibility.