In a dramatic escalation on social media, former ESPN anchor Keith Olbermann found himself at the center of controversy after issuing a chilling message directed at CNN conservative commentator Scott Jennings.
The exchange unfolded amid a heated debate over ABC’s reinstatement of Jimmy Kimmel following his contentious monologue about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The Exchange That Ignited Tensions
The situation began when Jennings shared his take on ABC’s decision to bring Kimmel back on air.
He tweeted: “So basically his employer suspended him for being an insensitive p***, and we don’t live in an authoritarian regime? Got it.”*
Olbermann’s response, however, crossed a line for many observers.
In a now-deleted post on X, he wrote: “You’re next mother*****.”* The message was widely interpreted as a direct threat.
Social Media Amplifies the Drama
Townhall columnist Dustin Grage captured a screenshot of Olbermann’s deleted post, which Jennings retweeted while tagging FBI Director Kash Patel, further amplifying the controversy.
Olbermann didn’t stop there—he followed up with another jab: “But keep mugging to camera, amateur.”
The posts appeared in the context of ABC’s announcement that Kimmel would return to the airwaves on Tuesday night, with no apology issued for his earlier remarks that suggested Kirk’s death was being politicized by conservatives.
Escalating Rhetoric Draws Widespread Condemnation
In subsequent posts, Olbermann added: “Now we get the fascists off real TV. That’d mean your career is next, Jennings.
Send a tape to Real America’s Voice. But keep mugging to camera, amateur.”
This came just days after Olbermann criticized Sinclair Broadcast Group—a major ABC affiliate owner—for pulling Jimmy Kimmel Live! from its schedule.
He wrote: “Burn in hell, Sinclair. Alongside Charlie Kirk.”
Conservative outlets and media watchdogs quickly circulated screenshots of Olbermann’s posts, condemning them as dehumanizing attacks on Kirk and his family.
From ESPN to Provocateur
Once a respected figure on ESPN and MSNBC, Olbermann has increasingly become known for provocative, and at times extreme, social media commentary.
Last week, he defended Kimmel’s controversial monologue, stating: “Nothing Jimmy Kimmel said was untrue.”
Critics argue, however, that his rhetoric has escalated from political commentary into dangerous territory, especially during a period of heightened media scrutiny and political tension.
Kimmel’s Return Sparks Continued Backlash
ABC confirmed that Jimmy Kimmel would return to the airwaves on Tuesday night.
Reports indicate that Kimmel personally negotiated his return with Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney Entertainment Co-Chair Dana Walden.
While Kimmel is expected to address the controversy on his show, it remains uncertain whether he will offer a full apology.
Affiliate owners such as Sinclair have expressed outrage, vowing to continue preempting the show on their ABC stations and replacing it with alternative news programming.