ABC has taken late-night host Jimmy Kimmel off the air indefinitely following remarks he made about the shooting of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.
A spokesperson for the Disney-owned network confirmed the suspension, saying, “Jimmy Kimmel Live will be pre-empted indefinitely.” Kimmel did not respond to the BBC as he left the studio in Los Angeles.
Earlier this week, Kimmel accused the “MAGA gang” of trying to gain political points from Kirk’s killing during his show.
On Tuesday, a 22-year-old man appeared in court facing aggravated murder charges in connection with the shooting of 31-year-old Charlie Kirk last Wednesday.
In his Monday monologue, Kimmel said, “The MAGA gang is trying to describe the person who killed Charlie Kirk as anything but one of them, all while trying to gain political advantage.”
Kimmel also criticized flags being flown at half-mast for Kirk and mocked the president’s response to the incident, comparing it to a child mourning a goldfish.
Despite the later comments, Kimmel initially used Instagram to condemn the attack and send love to Kirk’s family on the day of the shooting.
Authorities have not yet confirmed a motive in Kirk’s death on September 10.
Documents show that the suspect’s mother said he had become more politically left-leaning over the past year, supporting gay and trans rights.
The suspect, Tyler Robinson, is not registered with any political party and did not vote in the 2022 or 2024 elections.
Former President Donald Trump praised ABC’s decision to suspend Kimmel, calling it “great news for America” and congratulated the network for “finally having the courage” to act.
Trump also criticized other late-night hosts like Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, calling them “losers” and complaining about their low ratings.
Kimmel has previously clashed with Trump, including last year when he read out Trump’s negative review of his Oscars performance while hosting the event.
Kimmel’s monologue sparked backlash, including comments from FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who said Kimmel’s behavior was unacceptable and urged Disney to take action.
Carr stated broadcasters must operate in the public interest under FCC licensing, adding that an apology from Kimmel would be a minimal step.
FCC member Anna Gomez disagreed, warning that political violence by one individual should not be used to justify censorship or limit free speech.
Gomez accused the Trump administration of using government power to suppress lawful expression that challenges those in power.
Nexstar Media, a major US TV station owner, also decided not to air Kimmel’s show for the foreseeable future, citing his remarks as offensive and insensitive.
Nexstar said Kimmel’s comments do not represent the views of local communities and that pausing the show would allow for more respectful dialogue.
Carr praised Nexstar and hoped other networks would follow its example. Nexstar is seeking FCC approval for a $6.2 billion merger with Tegna.
Sinclair, the largest ABC affiliate group in the US, also chose to pre-empt Kimmel’s show and will air a special tribute to Kirk instead.
A source told CNBC that Kimmel has not been fired, and the network plans to discuss with him how to approach his return.
Kimmel joins other late-night hosts facing challenges as viewers increasingly move to streaming services over traditional TV.
In July, CBS announced it would end The Late Show with Stephen Colbert next year, unrelated to ratings or content. Colbert criticized the network’s decision.
Both ABC and CBS have previously made multi-million-dollar settlements with Trump over defamation and interviews involving high-profile figures.
After leaving the studio, Kimmel went off in a car without speaking to reporters.
Fans waiting to join the live audience were disappointed by the show’s suspension. Janna Blackwell said, “Freedom of speech is being threatened. This cancellation seems bizarre.”
A small protest took place outside the studio with a sign reading, “Trump must go now.”
