Jimmy Kimmel Criticizes CBS Over Scott Pelley’s Firing

Jimmy Kimmel strongly criticized CBS News executives after the firing of Scott Pelley from ’60 Minutes.’ On Wednesday night, during his monologue on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!,’ the ABC host accused CBS of removing Pelley due to his defense of journalistic standards.

“Last night, the Trump-supporting team at CBS dismissed a much-respected journalist, Scott Pelley, from his position at ‘60 Minutes,’ after he defended truth and integrity on the show,” Kimmel stated.

Kimmel mentioned Pelley’s frustration due to recent changes at ’60 Minutes.’ These changes included the removal of correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, along with executive producer Tanya Simon.

SCOTT PELLEY FIRED AT CBS NEWS AFTER CONFLICTS WITH BARI WEISS, NEW ’60 MINUTES’ PRODUCER

The late-night host took aim at CBS leadership for abandoning the standards that made ’60 Minutes’ a respected institution. Nick Bilton assumed the role of executive producer after Bari Weiss replaced Simon.

Kimmel added, “Pelley had enough after the current CBS News team dismissed reporters like Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, with Tanya Simon also replaced by someone inexperienced in TV news.”

Pelley’s own criticisms of CBS leadership emerged during a meeting, where he confronted Bilton directly. Kimmel commented that this confrontation led to Pelley’s dismissal.

The late-night host defended Pelley’s stand against management’s direction for ’60 Minutes.’ Kimmel joked about the potential shift in ’60 Minutes’ to reflect changes in CBS’ late-night programming.

Furthermore, Kimmel addressed President Donald Trump’s response to Pelley’s exit. Trump criticized Pelley in an interview, labeling him as part of a problematic group.

JIMMY KIMMEL CALLS TRUMP A ‘SON OF A B—-‘ OVER PRESIDENT’S SUPPORT FOR THE SHOW’S SUSPENSION

Trump praised CBS’ decision, and Kimmel highlighted this, linking it to the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, signaling potential tension.

Bilton accused Pelley of behaving disruptively in a termination notice. CBS News has not publicly commented on the firing as of yet.

Following his dismissal, Pelley criticized the new management, alleging attempts to inject bias into his reporting. Bari Weiss informed staff that trust had been compromised, but Pelley contested this version of events.

Fox News Digital has sought comments from the Trump administration but has yet to receive a response.

CJ Womack, a significant contributor to Fox News Digital since 2026, covers the impact of journalism on politics and culture. A graduate of Long Beach State University, CJ holds a degree in Political Science with a minor in Journalism. You can reach out at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter.