Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr clarified Thursday that the agency's order requiring Disney-owned ABC television stations to file early license renewals stems from an ongoing investigation into the company's diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, not the recent controversy involving late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.

Carr made the remarks to reporters following questions about the timing of the FCC's April 28 directive, which demands that eight ABC-owned stations submit renewal applications by May 28, years ahead of their scheduled expirations in 2028 or later. He emphasized that the White House exerted no pressure on the decision and that the probe predates Kimmel's comments.

The FCC launched its examination of Disney's DEI initiatives in early 2025, with Carr sending a letter in March accusing the company of potential discrimination through its hiring and programming policies. Broadcasters must operate in the public interest, and Carr has argued that DEI programs may violate equal opportunity rules by favoring certain groups.

The move came one day after President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump publicly called for ABC to fire Kimmel over a joke he made last week on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" The comedian referred to Melania as an "expectant widow" in a monologue ahead of the White House Correspondents' Dinner, which drew backlash from Trump allies who linked it to subsequent violence at the event. Kimmel defended the remark as misinterpreted and not inciting violence.

Critics, including some Democrats and media observers, have suggested the license review appears retaliatory given the sequence of events, but Carr insisted the actions are unrelated and focused on regulatory compliance. Disney stated it received the order and remains confident in the stations' renewal based on their public interest record.

This is not the first clash between Carr and Disney. The FCC chair has previously criticized ABC programming and threatened action over perceived biases, though he maintains all steps follow established procedures. One FCC commissioner urged ABC to stand firm amid the scrutiny.

The early renewal process allows the FCC to scrutinize the stations' operations, including compliance with broadcast standards. Failure to demonstrate public interest service could jeopardize licenses, though such revocations remain rare. Carr noted that Disney must show it has served viewers appropriately during the review.