ABC Suspends “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” After Host’s Charlie Kirk Remarks

Lead ABC has indefinitely pulled “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” following on‐air comments by Jimmy Kimmel suggesting the alleged shooter of conservative activist Charlie Kirk was a pro‐Trump Republican. The network’s decision comes amid mounting pressure from the FCC and major station groups.

Nut Graf Kimmel’s monologue, delivered on September 15, critiqued President Trump and MAGA activists for politicizing Kirk’s September 10 shooting. His remarks prompted a rare public intervention by FCC Chair Brendan Carr and a broadcast boycott by Nexstar Media, underscoring tensions over political commentary on network television.

Main Details

Subheading: FCC Threatens Action

  • On September 17, FCC Chair Brendan Carr condemned Kimmel’s characterization of the suspect, Tyler Robinson, as “the sickest conduct possible” and warned broadcasters they could face license revocations if they continued airing the show.
  • Carr stated, “These companies can find ways to change conduct and take actions on Kimmel, or there’s going to be additional work for the FCC ahead,” emphasizing affiliates’ obligation to serve the public interest.

Subheading: Station Group Boycott

  • Nexstar Media Group, which owns 32 ABC affiliates, announced it would replace “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” with alternate programming “for the foreseeable future,” citing “strong disapproval” of Kimmel’s comments.
  • Other major operators signaled support for Nexstar’s stance, raising concerns about network accountability and affiliate rights.

Subheading: Network Response

  • ABC and Disney have not publicly commented beyond confirming the indefinite suspension.
  • A network spokesperson described Kimmel’s remarks as “offensive and insensitive during a crucial moment in our national political conversation.”

Subheading: Kimmel’s Original Monologue

  • During his September 15 opening, Kimmel suggested the shooter’s alleged MAGA ties were overlooked by Republicans keen to deflect blame, saying, “The MAGA Gang (is) desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them …”
  • He criticized President Trump for not uniting the country in the aftermath, arguing that political point‐scoring overshadowed grief.

Subheading: Broader Implications

  • The suspension marks a rare instance of a late‐night host facing network censure and affiliate pushback over political commentary.

  • Media analysts note the dispute highlights growing friction between creative freedom on late‐night television and regulatory, corporate, and political pressures shaping broadcast content.

  • Reuters