Jimmy Kimmel’s cousin and longtime collaborator, Sal Iacono, has hinted that there are a lot more “bombshells” behind Kimmel’s suspension. During a podcast appearance, Iacono teased that there’s more to the story behind Jimmy Kimmel Live! being taken off the air. Although he was hesitant about revealing the details, he shared his optimism about Kimmel’s return.
Sal Iacono hints at more drama ahead of Jimmy Kimmel’s return to ABC
A day before Jimmy Kimmel’s return to his show, Kimmel’s cousin, Sal Iacono, hinted that there’s more to the story about the host’s suspension from ABC.
During The Bill Simmons Podcast, Iacono said, “I wish I could say anything. There are a couple bombshells still there.” He further added, “I’m feeling good. We’re going to be alright. Everything’s going to be just fine.”
Iacono is one of the writers and performers on Kimmel’s show. While he didn’t delve into any details, he shared that it has been a “tumultuous” week for the family following the suspension.
He continued to share a lighthearted anecdote about his son, Jack, during a recent family meeting. Iacono remembered his son saying to Kimmel, “Some kids at school say it’s not right what happened to you.” Iacono recalled Kimmel’s response, joking, “Next time, tell them, ‘I’m not too worried. My cousin Jimmy is an excellent dancer.’”
Still, he admitted that he can’t share too much out of respect for his family. “That’s all I have to say right now. I can’t really say anything,” he shared.
The host of the podcast, Bill Simmons, has also worked with Jimmy Kimmel before. “He’ll be fine, whatever he wants to do,” Simmons said to Iacono. “Hey, listen, he might just want to be a pop-up chef and start making barbecue around the South Bay area. He’ll do a great job.”
The suspension began on September 17, when ABC announced that it was indefinitely preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! following the host’s controversial remarks on Charlie Kirk’s shooting. The network’s decision came after pressure from FCC chair Brendan Carr and other ABC affiliate groups.
The decision sparked a massive backlash from Kimmel’s fans and other Hollywood figures. More than 400 artists have signed and shared a letter, condemning the suspension as an effort to censor free speech.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! is now set to return on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
Originally reported by Harsha Panduranga on ComingSoon.
