Spencer Pratt expressed enthusiasm Tuesday over speculation that Jimmy Kimmel Live! could be concluding its 24-year run, though the network swiftly disputed the reports.
The 43-year-old Los Angeles mayoral candidate wrote on X on Tuesday, September 8, referencing both the late-night host and California Governor Gavin Newsom: "Newsom and Kimmel gone next year?? Be still, my laughing heart! Things are looking UP fam."
The timing of Pratt's post coincided with media reports suggesting the late-night program might be ending. However, an ABC Entertainment spokesperson provided a statement to Us Weekly on Tuesday dismissing the speculation as unfounded. The network representative stated that any discussion about the show's future remains purely speculative at this stage.
The exchange represents the latest chapter in an ongoing public dispute between Pratt and the 58-year-old host that began in May. The conflict originated when Kimmel devoted a segment of his late-night program to criticizing Pratt's political aspirations and newfound public attention following the destruction of his home in the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires.
During the May 27 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the host questioned Pratt's qualifications for public office. Kimmel characterized the former reality television personality as someone whose career centered on confrontational behavior on television programs. He acknowledged that Pratt's anger about local issues resonated with many residents but questioned whether the candidate possessed viable solutions to address those concerns.
Pratt, who placed third in the Los Angeles mayoral primary election in June, responded by sharing video footage of his Pacific Palisades residence being consumed by flames during the devastating wildfires. He later escalated the confrontation on August 24 by drawing comparisons between Kimmel and Harvey Weinstein, the 74-year-old disgraced film producer facing multiple rape and sexual assault charges.
The comparison referenced public statements made by Kimmel's wife, Molly McNearney, about how their romantic relationship developed while she worked under his supervision. McNearney, 48, currently serves as co-head writer and executive producer on Jimmy Kimmel Live! after advancing through various positions at the program.
McNearney recently addressed the possibility of her husband retiring during an appearance on Dax Shepard's podcast. Speaking on the August 24 episode of "Armchair Expert," she acknowledged conflicting feelings about Kimmel potentially stepping away from his late-night duties.
"It definitely appeals to me for the nervous system of the household," McNearney told Shepard. She described her husband as holding both a fly rod and a torch, suggesting he deserves relaxation but also serves an important function through his platform. She expressed belief that the show provides audiences with a sense that their perspectives are being represented.
Despite recognizing the value of her husband's work, McNearney concluded that from a personal standpoint, she would prefer he have the opportunity to step back from the demanding schedule of producing a nightly program.
The 58-year-old Newsom, whom Pratt also referenced in his Tuesday post, currently serves as California's governor. Neither Newsom nor his office has commented on Pratt's social media statement.
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Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a pop culture junkie and loves to share what's happening in Hollywood and what trends are taking the world by storm.
