ABC has suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely following comments the late-night host made regarding the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The network’s decision came just hours after Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, warned on a podcast that broadcasters could face fines or license revocation if they didn’t take action against Kimmel’s show.
In a statement on Wednesday night, Disney-owned ABC confirmed it would replace Kimmel’s program “for the foreseeable future.” Following the announcement, Nexstar Media, one of the largest U.S. station owners, also declared it would stop airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! nationwide, calling Kimmel’s remarks “offensive and insensitive.” Doubling down, the Sinclair Broadcast Group, which owns the most ABC affiliates, announced plans to air a tribute to Kirk during Kimmel’s timeslot.
On social media, President Donald Trump praised the move as “great news for America” and congratulated ABC for its “courage.” He also mocked NBC hosts Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers as “total losers,” a jab that follows the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s show two months ago.
Kimmel’s original comments came during his Monday and Tuesday monologues. Referring to Tyler Robinson, the 28-year-old suspect charged with Kirk’s killing, Kimmel criticized MAGA supporters for “trying to score political points” from the tragedy. He also mocked Vice President JD Vance for blaming the political left without evidence, citing research that attributes most extremist violence in the U.S. to far-right groups. Kimmel dismissed Vance’s claims as “complete bullshit.”
Kimmel has not yet issued a public statement about the suspension.
