Key Takeaways
- Indefinite Suspension: ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! after his comments on Charlie Kirk’s assassination sparked outrage among affiliates and regulators.
- Backlash Grows: Nexstar Communications pulled the show from 23 ABC stations, calling Kimmel’s remarks “offensive and insensitive.”
- Political and Regulatory Pressure: FCC Chairman Brendan Carr slammed the comments as “truly sick” and warned Disney and ABC of accountability, while President Trump celebrated the suspension.
ABC has pulled the plug on Jimmy Kimmel—for now. The late-night host’s show was suspended indefinitely on Wednesday after his tone-deaf comments about Charlie Kirk’s assassination sparked backlash from ABC affiliates and drew fire from federal regulators.
On Jimmy Kimmel Live! this week, Kimmel sneered that “many in MAGA land are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk.” He even suggested the assassin might be a pro-Trump Republican, despite investigators confirming the suspect was linked to leftist ideology.
That smear didn’t sit well with Nexstar Communications Group, which operates 23 ABC affiliates. “Kirk’s death is not a punchline,” said Nexstar president Andrew Alford, calling Kimmel’s comments “offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse.” Nexstar promptly yanked the show.
The FCC is circling too. Chairman Brendan Carr blasted Kimmel’s remarks as “truly sick” and warned Disney and ABC they could be held accountable for spreading misinformation. He added, “We can do this the easy way or the hard way.”
President Trump praised ABC’s decision on Truth Social: “Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done.”
Kimmel, whose contract runs through May 2026, has stayed quiet. But Disney and Nexstar both have major FCC business pending, raising questions about whether the suspension could become permanent.
For years, late-night TV has been a megaphone for left-wing comedians bashing conservatives. Now, with Kimmel sidelined, the free market—and a fed-up public—are finally delivering accountability.