Rob Schneider blasts Jimmy Kimmel and wife Molly McNearney in podcast interview

Rob Schneider slams Jimmy Kimmel and wife Molly McNearney during a heated podcast discussion on late-night TV

Rob Schneider has sparked controversy after criticizing late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and his wife, Molly McNearney, during a recent podcast appearance.

Schneider made the remarks while appearing on a podcast hosted by political commentator Bill O'Reilly. During the discussion, the two spoke about late-night television and why several hosts frequently criticize former U.S. president Donald Trump.

In response to O’Reilly’s question about why late-night comedians often target Trump, Schneider suggested that political views behind the scenes influence the tone of certain shows. He specifically referenced McNearney’s role on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where she serves as head writer and executive producer.

Schneider claimed that McNearney’s influence had changed the direction of the show, arguing that the program had shifted in recent years. His comments quickly circulated online and reignited debate about politics in late-night comedy.

The discussion also revisited controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2025. The show was temporarily removed from the schedule by its network, ABC, following remarks made by Kimmel about conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The program returned to air days later after conversations between Kimmel and ABC’s parent company, The Walt Disney Company.

McNearney later addressed the incident during a speech at The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment Breakfast in December 2025. In her remarks, she spoke about free speech, political tensions, and the challenges facing late-night television in a polarized media environment.

Neither Kimmel nor McNearney has publicly responded to Schneider’s latest criticism.