Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, where Donald Trump won a second term, rumors began circulating on social media claiming that late-night host Jimmy Kimmel would cancel his show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and move to Canada. The claim suggested that Kimmel, a long-time critic of Trump, was so disillusioned with the election results and the political landscape that he would end his show on January 20th and leave the United States.
However, these rumors were false. The source of the claim was SpaceX Mania, a website that explicitly labels its content as satirical. The post about Kimmel’s supposed departure was part of the site’s fictional, humorous output, and it was quickly debunked. Memes circulating on social media also included disclaimers stating that the story was not factual.
In reality, Kimmel’s contract with ABC was extended in September 2022 for an additional three years. The new agreement requires him to produce a 23rd season of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which is scheduled to premiere in January 2025, well after the 2024 election. Despite Kimmel’s previous hints that he might step down after this renewal, his plans did not include any immediate departure, particularly not due to the election results.
The misinformation about Kimmel’s departure highlights the potential danger of satire when it is taken out of context. Websites like SpaceX Mania are known for creating humorous, exaggerated content, but such pieces are often shared without any clear indication of their satirical nature, leading people to believe them as truth. This can fuel confusion, especially on platforms where users do not take the time to fact-check.
As a result, fact-checking organizations like Snopes have stepped in to clarify the situation and help readers distinguish between real news and satirical content. This is a reminder of the importance of verifying information, particularly when it comes from sources known for parody or humor.
