Overview
- O’Donnell said on Kara Swisher’s podcast on Monday that ABC informed her she “couldn’t get permission for the parody” and that she was not allowed to perform the Trump-targeted song on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
- She performed a brief, explicit snippet of the number on the podcast and previously shared versions of the rewrite on TikTok and in her Off‑Broadway one‑woman show, which has drawn strong audience reaction.
- Legal analysts note the central risk is whether the rewrite is treated as a parody that comments on the original song or as satire that uses the tune to target President Donald Trump, and that treating it as satire makes broadcasters more likely to seek a license rather than rely on fair use.
- O’Donnell is scheduled to guest-host Jimmy Kimmel Live! the week of August 17 and said the clearance decision “isn’t Jimmy,” while continuing to promote the song in other venues and media appearances.
- Commentators pointed out that Kimmel’s show has previously aired political sketches and guest-host parodies, prompting debate across outlets about whether ABC’s move reflects legal prudence, inconsistent editorial choices, or growing network caution that could limit political material on late night.