ABC has suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely following remarks the comedian made about the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
The Disney-owned network confirmed the decision in a statement on Wednesday, saying the show would be “pre-empted indefinitely.”
Kimmel, who was seen leaving the Los Angeles studio shortly after the announcement, declined to comment.
What Sparked the Controversy
In his Monday night monologue, Kimmel criticised political reactions to Kirk’s murder, claiming that the “MAGA gang” was using the incident for political gain. He also mocked flags being flown at half-mast in Kirk’s honour and took aim at Donald Trump’s response to the activist’s death.
“This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he calls a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish,” Kimmel said on air.
While Kimmel condemned the shooting on Instagram the day it happened and expressed sympathy for Kirk’s family, his comments on the show drew backlash from conservative groups and US officials.
Political Fallout and FCC Pressure
Brendan Carr, chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and a Trump appointee, called Kimmel’s remarks “the sickest conduct possible” and urged ABC to take action, suggesting an apology would be “a minimal step.”
Anna Gomez, the FCC’s only Democratic commissioner, pushed back, warning that “an inexcusable act of political violence by one disturbed individual must never be exploited as justification for broader censorship.”
Networks and Affiliates Respond
Major US broadcasters joined the backlash. Nexstar Media, one of the largest owners of TV stations, announced it would stop airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! “for the foreseeable future,” saying the comedian’s remarks were “offensive and insensitive at a critical time.” Sinclair Broadcast Group, ABC’s largest affiliate group, also pulled the show and said it would instead air a remembrance programme for Kirk this Friday.
Reactions from Trump and Hollywood
Donald Trump celebrated the suspension on social media, calling it “great news for America” and labelling Kimmel’s show “ratings-challenged.” He also targeted fellow late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, describing them as “total losers.”
Hollywood unions condemned ABC’s decision. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) called it a violation of free speech, while SAG-AFTRA said it amounted to “suppression and retaliation that endangers everyone’s freedoms.”
Context: Late-Night Landscape in Flux
Kimmel’s suspension comes at a turbulent time for US late-night television. Traditional network talk shows have faced declining ratings as viewers migrate to streaming platforms. CBS recently announced it would end The Late Show with Stephen Colbert after 11 seasons, sparking another controversy when Colbert accused his network of bowing to political and financial pressure.
For now, ABC insiders say Kimmel has not been fired, and discussions are ongoing about his possible return — potentially after a public statement or apology.
