Jimmy Kimmel Live Paused Indefinitely Following Controversy Over Charlie Kirk Remarks
Los Angeles, CA – ABC has temporarily taken Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air indefinitely following a backlash to host Jimmy Kimmel’s comments regarding the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. the decision comes after criticism from Donald Trump and a statement from a spokesperson for Star’s broadcasting division, calling Kimmel’s remarks “offensive and insensitive.”
The controversy stems from comments Kimmel made during his broadcast on Monday night, where he addressed reactions to Kirk’s murder. Kirk, 22, was fatally shot with a single bullet to the neck, allegedly by Tyler Robinson, who has been arrested and charged with murder and potentially faces the death penalty.
Kimmel criticized supporters of Donald Trump for attempting to leverage Kirk’s death for political advantage. “The MAGA gang [is] desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them,” Kimmel said, adding they were “doing everything they can to score political points from it.” His comments followed initial reactions from some Republicans, including Trump, who quickly sought to blame the left for the killing.
Authorities have stated that Robinson, following his arrest, told his romantic partner in a text message exchange, “I had enough of his hatred,” explaining his alleged motive. Robinson’s adherence to “leftist ideology” was also noted by Utah Governor Spencer Cox,who pointed out the difference in political beliefs between Robinson and his conservative family.
Kimmel also mocked Trump’s public response to Kirk’s death, playing footage of the former president stating he was doing “very well” before abruptly shifting the conversation to construction on a White House ballroom. “This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he called a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish,” Kimmel remarked.
Following news of the show’s suspension, trump celebrated the decision on his truth Social platform, congratulating ABC for “finally having the courage to do what had to be done.” He also called for NBC to fire Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers,hosts of late-night shows who frequently satirize him. Trump has a history of pressuring broadcasters to remove content he deems objectionable.
As of now, ABC has not announced a timeline for the return of Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
