Jimmy Kimmel’s Show Suspended Indefinitely Following Controversial Remarks on Charlie Kirk Shooting:

September 18, 2025 In a dramatic shake-up for late-night television, ABC has indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! following backlash over Kimmel’s controversial comments on the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The Walt Disney-owned network confirmed the suspension in a statement to USA TODAY on Wednesday, September 17, saying, "Jimmy Kimmel Live! will be pre-empted indefinitely." The network's decision comes amid mounting pressure from political leaders, media affiliates, and the public. Kimmel’s Controversial Monologue During the September 15 episode of his show, Jimmy Kimmel addressed the tragic killing of Charlie Kirk in a segment that many critics say crossed the line. Referring to 22-year-old suspect Tyler Robinson, who was charged on September 16 with aggravated murder and other serious felonies, Kimmel said: "We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang 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." These remarks sparked immediate outrage across conservative circles and even drew criticism from the federal government. FCC Chairman Responds Brendan Carr, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), weighed in during a YouTube appearance on commentator Benny Johnson’s show on September 17. His remarks raised eyebrows across the media landscape: "We can do this the easy way or the hard way," Carr said, seemingly addressing ABC, Disney, and Kimmel directly. "There are calls for Kimmel to be fired. I think you could certainly see a path forward for suspension over this." Carr’s statement has been interpreted by many as a veiled regulatory threat, sparking debate over the limits of free speech and media regulation in politically sensitive times. Broadcasters Drop Kimmel Nexstar Media Group Inc., which operates 32 ABC affiliates, announced it would no longer air Jimmy Kimmel Live! in response to the host's comments. Andrew Alford, President of Nexstar’s broadcasting division, stated: "Mr. Kimmel's comments about the death of Mr. Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse." Sinclair Broadcast Group quickly followed suit, announcing it would replace Kimmel’s time slot with a remembrance special honoring Charlie Kirk, set to air on Friday, September 19. The special will be broadcast across all Sinclair stations and made available to ABC affiliates nationwide. Jason Smith, Vice Chairman of Sinclair, called Kimmel’s comments “inappropriate and deeply insensitive,” and urged broadcasters to uphold standards of “respectful, constructive dialogue.” Sinclair also called on Kimmel to issue a direct apology to Kirk’s family and donate to both the family and Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA. A Pivotal Moment for Late-Night TV The indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! marks a pivotal moment in the relationship between entertainment, politics, and public accountability. While late-night hosts have long been known for pushing boundaries, this incident raises urgent questions about where those boundaries lie—especially in a politically charged environment. ABC has not commented on whether Kimmel will return or if a permanent replacement is in the works. Kimmel's representatives have yet to respond to media inquiries. As the situation develops, it underscores the increasingly high stakes of political commentary in mainstream media. What was once considered satire now faces legal and regulatory scrutiny—especially when tragedy and partisanship collide.

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