ABC Suspends Jimmy Kimmel Live! After Backlash Over Charlie Kirk Remarks

ABC, owned by Walt Disney Company, has indefinitely suspended its late-night show Jimmy Kimmel Live! following a wave of criticism over comments made by Jimmy Kimmel about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.


In his opening monologue earlier in the week, Kimmel accused “The MAGA Gang (is) desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”

The controversy escalated when Brendan Carr, Chairman of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), described Kimmel’s remarks as “offensive and insensitive” during a politically charged period, and signalled possible regulatory repercussions.


Major ABC affiliates including Nexstar Media Group, which operates many local stations, announced they would no longer air Jimmy Kimmel Live! on their ABC-affiliated stations. Sinclair Broadcast Group also joined in pulling the show from its slots, demanding an apology from Kimmel and other steps before reconsidering airing it again.


In replacement of Kimmel’s show, ABC is currently airing re-runs of Celebrity Family Feud, while Sinclair will air a remembrance special for Kirk during the usual late-night slot on Friday.


Reactions have been sharply divided. President Donald Trump applauded the move on social media, while many critics, including lawmakers and free-speech advocates, warn the suspension sets a dangerous precedent for political influence over media content.

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