Full Breakdown
Oz Pearlman Withdraws from Jimmy Kimmel Live! After WHCD Shooting and Trump Outburst
4/28/2026, 11:18:34 PM
Core Event
Oz Pearlman, scheduled for Monday’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on ABC, has been removed from the lineup. The show now lists Pod Save America co-host Jon Lovett as his guest. Pearlman’s withdrawal follows WHCD shooting and President Donald Trump’s and First Lady Melania Trump’s calls for Kimmel’s firing.
Background & Context
At WHCD on April 25, 2026, gunfire broke out in Hilton ballroom. Pearlman was performing a trick on Karoline Leavitt, seated beside President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, when shots rang out and everyone hit floor. Kimmel’s April 23 monologue mocked the dinner, calling Melania “beautiful” and saying she had “a glow like an expectant widow.”
Data & Statistics
The shooter, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, faces federal charges of attempted assassination of the President, illegal interstate firearm transport, and discharging a gun. No injuries were reported.
Official Statements & Responses
President Trump posted on Truth Social that Kimmel’s “despicable call to violence” warrants firing by Disney and ABC. Melania Trump wrote on X that Kimmel’s rhetoric “spreads hate” and urged network to “take a stand.” Pearlman’s Instagram thanked supporters, confirmed his safety, and praised Secret Service actions. ABC has not commented on guest change.
Criticism & Opposition
The Trump administration labeled Kimmel’s monologue hateful and violent, demanding corporate accountability and his termination. Their statements form the primary opposition to Kimmel’s comedy. Kimmel’s six-day suspension in September 2025 for jokes about activist Charlie Kirk is cited as precedent for the administration’s repeated challenges.
On-the-Ground Report
Pearlman said he and President Trump were “a couple feet away, eyes locked,” as they hit floor, calling it “the scariest moment of my life.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources list the shooter as both “Cole Allen” and “Cole Tomas Allen,” showing a naming discrepancy. Neither ABC nor Pearlman’s representatives have explained his withdrawal, leaving motivation unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “People like Kimmel shouldn’t have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to spread hate.” — Melania Trump, First Lady, X post
- “I appreciate that so many people are incensed by Kimmel’s despicable call to violence, and normally would not be responsive to anything that he said but, this is something far beyond the pale. Jimmy Kimmel should be immediately fired by Disney and ABC,” — Donald Trump, President, Truth Social
- “We laid on the ground, I was a couple feet away from President Trump, eyes locked with one another. It was likely the scariest moment of my life and will never forget it. So happy everyone is ok.” — Oz Pearlman, Instagram
- “Our first lady Melania is here. So beautiful, Mrs Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow,” — Jimmy Kimmel, monologue (April 23)
What’s Next
Jon Lovett will appear on the upcoming “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” episode. Federal prosecutors will proceed with charges against Cole Tomas Allen, and a review of WHCD security is expected. The Trump administration’s calls for Kimmel’s termination remain pending with ABC.
