“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Faces Broadcast Suspension Following Controversy Over Charlie Kirk Comments
Following remarks made on the September 15th episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, the show has been suspended indefinitely by ABC. The controversy stems from host Jimmy Kimmel’s monologue criticizing the response to the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk adn the suspect, Tyler Robinson, who has been charged with a felony in connection with the incident.
ABC confirmed the suspension on Wednesday, September 17th, clarifying that Kimmel was not fired and the show was not cancelled, but rather had ceased broadcasting temporarily. Kimmel has hosted the program since 2003, and his contract with ABC is currently set to expire in May 2026.
During the monologue, Kimmel criticized supporters of “Make America Great Again” for allegedly attempting to portray suspect Tyler Robinson in a favorable light and “score political points.”
The suspension has drawn reaction from political figures.Former President Donald Trump, currently visiting the UK, praised ABC’s decision on his Truth Social platform, calling it a presentation of courage.He also called for NBC to cancel “The Tonight show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” labeling their hosts as “failed.” Trump later told reporters in London that the show’s poor ratings were also a factor in the decision to suspend broadcasting, along with Kimmel’s comments regarding Charlie Kirk.
Beyond ABC, Nexstar Media Group, one of the largest television groups in the US, announced it would cease broadcasting the program on its 32 ABC-affiliated stations. Andrew Alford, President of Nexstar’s Broadcasting Division, stated that Kimmel’s remarks were “offensive and lack empathy” given the sensitive nature of the national political climate. Sinclair Broadcast Group has also stopped airing the show.
federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr also weighed in,suggesting potential regulatory scrutiny.He stated on YouTube that there were “simple” or “challenging” ways to address the situation and later told Fox News that broadcasters have a “unique obligation” to serve the public interest, not promote “narrow political ideology.”
Charlie Kirk, 31, is the founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative activist. He was shot in Utah on September 10th, an event that prompted vigils and expressions of grief across the United States.
