Conservative CNN political commentator Scott Jennings Monday posted on X criticizing the brief suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel by ABC. Jennings mocked the move as evidence against claims of an "authoritarian regime," referencing Kimmel's controversial remarks about the recent assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk on September 18, 2025. In response, former ESPN and MSNBC host Keith Olbermann fired off two inflammatory posts that were quickly deleted but captured via screenshots by users.
The posts read: "You’re next motherf***er. But keep mugging to the camera."
"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."These came amid heightened national tensions following Kirk's killing, which had already sparked debates over political rhetoric and threats.
Olbermann's words were widely interpreted as a direct threat to Jennings, especially given the "you're next" phrasing echoing the assassin's bullet engraving ("hey, fascist, catch") and the broader context of left-wing critiques labeling conservatives as "fascists."
Jennings, known as CNN's resident conservative voice, took the posts seriously. He shared screenshots on X, tagging FBI Director Kash Patel
On his radio show the next day, Jennings joked about "marking myself safe" from Olbermann but emphasized the gravity, forwarding the material to authorities for review. This escalated the story, with conservative outlets like Fox News, Breitbart, and the New York Post amplifying calls for accountability.
On Tuesday, facing backlash and potential FBI scrutiny, Olbermann issued a public apology on X without reservation. He followed up, condemning political violence
"I oppose and condemn political violence, and the threat of it. All times are the wrong time to leave even an inadvertent impression of it — but this time is especially wrong. I should've acknowledged the deletion and apologized yesterday. I'm sorry I delayed."
Olbermann clarified his intent was solely to mock Jennings' career prospects (suggesting he'd be "next" off TV like Kimmel), not to imply physical harm. However, critics dismissed this as damage control, pointing to his history of unfiltered rants and the posts' deletion as evidence he knew they crossed a line.