ABC has indefinitely pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air after comments the late-night host made regarding the fatal shooting of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk.
The Disney-owned network confirmed on Wednesday that the show would be “pre-empted indefinitely,” a move that has ignited debate across political and media circles.
The controversy stems from Kimmel’s Monday night monologue, where he addressed the killing of Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative activist. “The MAGA gang desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it,” Kimmel said. He also mocked flags flown at half-mast in Kirk’s honor and criticized President Trump’s reaction. “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,” he added.
On Tuesday, a 22-year-old suspect, Tyler Robinson, appeared in court charged with aggravated murder in connection with the September 10 shooting. Court filings revealed Robinson’s mother said he had recently leaned left politically and supported gay and trans rights, though he was not registered with any party and did not vote in the last two elections. Authorities have not yet specified a motive.
Kimmel’s comments sparked swift backlash. Brendan Carr, chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and a Trump appointee, condemned the remarks, calling them “the sickest conduct possible.” Speaking on a right-wing podcast, Carr warned Disney and broadcasters to act. “We can do this the easy way or the hard way,” Carr said, noting that networks must operate in the public interest. He added that an apology from Kimmel would be “a very reasonable, minimal step.”
The backlash extended to television stations. Nexstar Media Group, one of the country’s largest station owners, announced it would not air Jimmy Kimmel Live! “for the foreseeable future.” Andrew Alford, Nexstar’s broadcasting president, said Kimmel’s remarks were “offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse.” He added that continuing to air the program was not “in the public interest” and emphasized the need for “respectful, constructive dialogue.” Nexstar’s decision coincides with its pending $6.2 billion merger with Tegna, currently under FCC review.
Trump quickly weighed in, celebrating ABC’s decision. “The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done,” the president wrote on social media. He also took the opportunity to mock other late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, calling them “two total losers” with “horrible ratings.”
While ABC has suspended Kimmel’s show, sources told CNBC that the host has not been fired. Executives reportedly plan to speak with Kimmel about what he should say upon his eventual return.
Kimmel’s suspension highlights broader turbulence in late-night television as audiences increasingly shift to streaming platforms. Earlier this year, CBS announced The Late Show With Stephen Colbert would end in May 2026 after 33 years on air. Though CBS executives insisted the decision was unrelated to performance or content, Colbert criticized the network, accusing it of leaking financial data and referencing a $16 million settlement with Trump. That deal followed ABC News’ own $15 million settlement with Trump after anchor George Stephanopoulos incorrectly claimed the president had been found “liable for rape” in a civil trial. A jury had actually determined liability for “sexual abuse,” a term with specific legal meaning under New York law.
The future of Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains uncertain. While Disney and ABC weigh their options, critics and supporters alike are watching closely. For some, the suspension reflects overdue accountability for controversial commentary; for others, it represents political pressure undermining free speech on late-night television.
At least for now, Kimmel joins a growing list of late-night stars facing upheaval in an era where political tensions, media scrutiny, and shifting viewer habits collide.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
