ABC, owned by Walt Disney, has suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live indefinitely. The move comes after host Jimmy Kimmel made controversial comments about the September 10 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Kimmel suggested on his Monday show that some supporters of former President Donald Trump tried to misrepresent the alleged killer’s motives. He also criticized Trump’s response to Kirk’s death. These remarks drew immediate backlash from conservative groups and media regulators.
Nexstar Media Group, which owns 32 ABC affiliates, said it would stop airing the show. The company called Kimmel’s comments “offensive and insensitive” and emphasized the importance of community standards in broadcasting.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr described the situation as “a very, very serious issue for Disney.” He urged local broadcasters to halt the show and warned that repeated violations could lead to fines or license review. Carr praised Nexstar for taking action, noting it was crucial for broadcasters to uphold community values.
The decision sparked debate about free speech. Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Ed Markey, criticized the suspension as censorship. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Senator Brian Schatz echoed concerns, calling it an abuse of government power.
The suspension also received attention on social media. Former President Trump praised ABC’s action and urged other late-night hosts, such as Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, to be held accountable. Trump has a history of challenging media companies over content he finds objectionable.
Viewership trends show that late-night shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live face declining audiences. Nielsen data for the last broadcast season reported an average of 1.57 million viewers per episode. By comparison, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert led with 1.9 million viewers.
ABC did not provide a timeline for when the show might return. Kimmel has not publicly responded to the suspension. The controversy highlights the growing tension between political commentary, media regulation, and freedom of speech in the United States.
For a detailed account of the charges against Tyler Robinson, read our full coverage here: Tyler Robinson Charged In Charlie Kirk Assassination.
