April 28 (UPI) -- The Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday ordered an early review of Disney's broadcast licenses with ABC stations, with officials saying it's part of an investigation into those stations for alleged "unlawful discrimination" having to do with diversity, equity and inclusion.
This comes as President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are calling for ABC TV host and comedian Jimmy Kimmel to be punished for jokes made about the Trumps and others. Trump and his administration have attacked Kimmel before for his remarks. On Monday, Melania Trump criticized Kimmel for his "hateful and violent rhetoric," while White House Communication Director Steven Cheung urged ABC to fire him.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has said before that he will investigate Disney policies around diversity, equity and inclusion, The Washington Post reported. The order notes the FCC has the authority to call broadcast licenses in for early renewal.
"Doing so both allows the FCC to conduct its ongoing investigation and enables the FCC to ensure that the broadcaster has been meeting its public interest obligations more broadly," the order said.
The latest in the Trump administration's ire with Kimmel started last week, when the comedian made remarks about the then-upcoming White House correspondents' dinner, noting that Trump, who has skipped all prior dinners, would attend this year. Pretending to host the dinner, Kimmel said as if to Melania Trump, "Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow."
