Long Island comics react to Jimmy Kimmel controversy: Audiences not 'looking for edgy comedians right now'

ABC’s suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" over the late-night talk show host’s controversial remarks about the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk during his Sept. 15 monologue has sent a ripple through the Long Island comedy community. Some feel Kimmel went too far while others think his suspension violated his freedom of speech. Despite his show's return on Tuesday, the move by ABC, bowing to pressure from the Federal Communications Commission, raised many questions about the future of the art form. Newsday spoke with several local stand-up comedians who weighed in on the situation.

Tom Kelly, of Massapequa, who has served as a warmup comedian for "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," "The View" and "Good Morning America," said Kimmel’s statement was simply a strange, unfunny moment.

"Kimmel mischaracterized Charlie Kirk’s assassin as a Trump supporter. It was not a joke, it was a weird sentence," Kelly said. "This is the hard part, when you let comedians be emotional and riff. Sometimes it’s gold and sometimes it’s awkward."

Jackie "The Joke Man" Martling, of Bayville, who battled the FCC on "The Howard Stern Show" in the '90s, offered a simple solution.

"If you don’t like what you’re listening to, turn the channel. It’s that easy," Martling said. "The minute the government sticks its nose in, despite what the party, it is dead wrong."

James Dolce, who owns three Long Island comedy clubs, Governor’s of Levittown, The Brokerage in Bellmore and McGuire’s in Bohemia, stated very few comics like to get political because it’s a danger zone. He also claimed he feels the Kimmel situation is impacting the local comedy scene.

"Comics are looking at their material a bit closer," Dolce said. "I don’t like to censor comedy. Do what you want to do and say what you want to say. But just realize, if I get blowback from the audience, it makes it harder for me to book you again."

Sean Brown, of Amityville, who has been doing stand-up for seven years, is a regular at Dolce’s clubs. He said he had written some material about the Kirk shooting but then thought twice about using it.

"I bailed out because of the tension in the room. It might have been too soon," Brown said. "I didn’t want to even try it for the fear of being canceled before I’m officially on the map."

Long Island comics can sense the vibe that this is a sensitive time with crowds who want to steer away from negativity.

"I don’t think the audience is looking for edgy comedians right now," said Michele Fox, of Melville, who has performed in Dolce's clubs for the past nine years. "It quickly gets uncomfortable and the crowd makes ‘Uhhh ...’ sounds. People get tense and nervous, which is not enjoyable."

Paul Anthony, of Massapequa, has been the owner and operator of the Long Island Comedy Festival since 2006. He books and performs at shows featuring various headline comedians in a theater setting.

"I’ll send out a text message to my comedians as a reminder saying, ‘We want to limit the profanity and no political material,’ ” Anthony said. "I find people are in need to escape the bombardment of the political messaging that’s out there. I believe the audience is looking for an opportunity to laugh. Laughter unites people."

Peter Bales, of East Northport, has been playing Long Island comedy clubs since 1979. He said he makes a point to steer clear of any political humor in his set and even takes extreme measures.

"I won’t even tell a Long Island audience whether I’m a Yankee fan or a Met fan," Bales said. "I just want to keep them laughing."