Jimmy Kimmel's Show Suspended Amid Controversial Comments on Political Violence

Tue Sep 23 2025 07:37:02 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

ABC has suspended Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show following backlash against his comments regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Following remarks about the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' has been suspended by ABC. The comments, which were perceived as insensitive and offensive, prompted a response from multiple broadcasting groups and raised questions about localTV affiliates’ actions. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr endorsed the affiliates' stance, hinting at tighter scrutiny of media. With Kimmel's contract running until 2026, his show's future remains uncertain as political tensions escalate around media portrayals of violence.

NEW YORK (AP) - Jimmy Kimmel’s future on late-night television is uncertain following the suspension of his show by ABC due to controversial comments he made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Reaction to Kimmel’s remarks, which suggested that some were trying to capitalize politically on Kirk’s murder, elicited outrage and led to a significant backlash from several broadcasting affiliates.

Kimmel's comments made headlines after he stated, many in MAGA land are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk, which prompted ABC to act swiftly after Nexstar Communications Group announced it would stop airing the show. The president of Nexstar, Andrew Alford, criticized Kimmel’s remarks as offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse. Nexstar operates 28 ABC affiliates.

Sinclair, another major broadcaster, called for Kimmel to apologize and to extend a charitable contribution to Turning Point USA, the organization Kirk co-founded. The cancellation of Kimmel's show coincides with growing scrutiny around political commentary in media, with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr applauding local stations for their actions and suggesting that the FCC could take stronger measures in enforcing public interest standards.

While Kimmel’s contract is valid until May 2026, the uncertainty surrounding his show's future is compounded by political dynamics and ongoing disputes over media representations of violence and partisanship. Following Kimmel's remarks, former President Donald Trump responded positively to ABC’s suspension, asserting that it reflects a much-needed corrective action against divisive rhetoric.

The episode raises questions about the broader implications for late-night television as companies navigate the tricky balance between free speech and accountability in a highly polarized political climate. With ongoing investigations by the FCC into media practices and Trump’s influence lingering over public discourse, the fate of Kimmel's show remains in a precarious state.