ABC, owned by Disney, has suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely following controversial remarks the late-night host made about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
In his Sept. 15 monologue, Jimmy Kimmel criticized conservative reactions to Kirk’s killing, saying the “MAGA gang [was] desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.” Coverage of the segment appears here from E! News.
The comments prompted a strong response from FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who appeared on Benny Johnson’s podcast. Carr called Kimmel’s remarks “some of the sickest conduct possible” and suggested ABC and Disney could face regulatory consequences if the network did not act. That reporting is available from Variety and Fox News.
Shortly afterward, Nexstar Media Group, which owns dozens of ABC affiliates, announced it would preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! “for the foreseeable future.” In a statement, Nexstar called the comments “offensive and insensitive.” The company’s announcement is posted on its website.
ABC confirmed its decision to suspend the program indefinitely. A report from Politico noted the network has not explained the conditions for the show’s return.
Some reports note that Nexstar is currently seeking FCC approval for a large station acquisition, which has led to questions about whether regulatory considerations played a role in the company’s decision to drop Kimmel. The Los Angeles Times has also noted Nexstar’s pending deal in its coverage, though no direct connection has been confirmed by the company.
Free speech advocates and legal observers are watching closely, since the FCC’s regulatory authority is limited by the First Amendment. As of now, Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains off the air with no announced timeline for its return.
