Jimmy Kimmel on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' Disney/Randy Holmes
Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show has been suspended indefinitely by ABC after remarks he made about the killing of Charlie Kirk caused strong backlash. The network’s move came after several ABC-affiliated local stations and media officials said Kimmel’s comments were “offensive and insensitive.”
Kimmel made the remarks during his monologue earlier this week. He said that many in the MAGA movement “are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk” and accused them of trying to pretend the shooter was not connected to their side. He also criticized how some people reacted to the death, saying it looked more like political theater than real grief.
Local station group Nexstar, which owns many ABC-affiliated channels, called Kimmel’s words unacceptable. Nexstar said it would stop airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! on its local ABC stations. Nexstar’s president, Andrew Alford, said the show does not reflect the values of many of the communities those stations serve. He said that at this moment in time, giving the show space on air is not in the public interest.
The Federal Communications Commission chair, Brendan Carr, also criticized Kimmel. Carr said broadcasters have responsibilities toward viewers, especially when the topic is a sensitive event like a political killing. He warned that if networks do not take action, regulators might step in.
ABC confirmed that the show will be preempted indefinitely. The network has not given a date for return. Some media watchers believe the decision reflects growing pressure on broadcast companies to respond quickly when public comments spark controversy.
President Donald Trump praised ABC’s decision on social media. He said the action was overdue and criticized Kimmel as well as other late-night hosts. The White House deputy chief of staff also supported the suspension, describing it as a matter of accountability in public speech.
Kimmel’s contract with ABC runs until May 2026, but this suspension adds uncertainty about what happens next. Kimmel has faced criticism before for his political commentary, but this is the first time a reaction to his words has led to his show being taken off the air indefinitely.
The killing of Charlie Kirk happened last week during a speaking event at a university. The suspect, Tyler Robinson, age 22, is charged with murder. Investigators say Robinson once held conservative beliefs and more recently expressed left-leaning ones. In his monologue, Kimmel questioned the shooter’s political label and how quickly some people tried to distance him from a group he was assumed to represent.
Communities across the country are now watching how this situation will play out. The decision raises questions about free speech, the role of media, and how much pressure networks face from advertisers, regulators, affiliate stations, and the public. Many believe this case may set a new example of how strong the consequences may be when a public figure makes remarks that many view as crossing a line.
