UPDATE: Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel faces an indefinite suspension from his show following controversial comments regarding the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel was spotted leaving his Hollywood studio on Wednesday night, looking visibly downcast after ABC announced the suspension due to his remarks made during a recent monologue.
During Monday’s broadcast, Kimmel insinuated that Tyler Robinson, the alleged murderer of Kirk, could be linked to the pro-Trump MAGA movement. “The MAGA Gang is desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them,” Kimmel stated, adding that there was “grieving” amidst the “finger-pointing.”
The backlash from his comments led to several ABC affiliate stations, including those owned by Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, deciding to preempt Kimmel’s show indefinitely. Shortly after the news broke, Kimmel was captured on video departing his studio, wearing a black hat and plaid shirt while keeping his head down.
An audience gathered outside the theater where “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is filmed was informed that Wednesday’s show had been canceled just as they were about to enter. Tommy Williams, a potential audience member from Jacksonville, Florida, expressed his frustration: “They didn’t tell us what had happened. They just said that the show was canceled.”
The decision by ABC comes amid increasing scrutiny, with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stating that the agency has a strong case against Kimmel for spreading misinformation. “This is a very, very serious issue right now for Disney,” Carr said on a podcast, implying potential consequences for both Kimmel and ABC’s parent company, Walt Disney Co.
Carr warned that the FCC could intervene further if necessary. Disney is currently navigating regulatory approval for ESPN’s acquisition of the NFL Network, while Nexstar is awaiting approval for its $6.2 billion purchase of broadcast competitor Tegna.
Adding fuel to the fire, former President Donald Trump celebrated Kimmel’s suspension on social media, suggesting that other late-night hosts like Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon could be next. “Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, criticizing Kimmel’s talent and ratings.
Kimmel’s suspension marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict between late-night hosts and political figures. Observers recall that other hosts, including Stephen Colbert, have faced similar scrutiny for their anti-Trump positions, raising questions about the potential influence of political views on show cancellations.
As developments unfold, viewers and media insiders are closely watching what actions ABC and Kimmel will take next. The impact of this suspension could resonate across the late-night television landscape, leaving fans and critics alike eager for updates.
Stay tuned for more urgent updates on this developing story.