Jimmy Kimmel Live! Pulled Off Air Following Controversial Remarks About Charlie Kirk’s Death
In a dramatic turn of events, ABC has suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely following widespread backlash over the host’s remarks about the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The decision, announced on September 17, 2025, comes amid mounting criticism from political leaders, broadcast affiliates, and regulatory officials.
During the September 15 broadcast, Jimmy Kimmel addressed the killing of Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot while speaking at a university event in Utah. In his monologue, Kimmel criticized the political response to the tragedy, saying:
“We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”
The shooter, Tyler Robinson, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Prosecutors say Robinson’s father reported that his son believed Kirk was “spreading hate” and had become increasingly radicalized.
Kimmel’s comments were seen by many as insensitive and politically charged, especially given the gravity of the incident.
Shortly after the episode aired, Nexstar Media Group, which owns a large number of ABC affiliates, announced it would preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! “until further notice”, citing the segment as “inappropriate and inflammatory.”
ABC followed suit, confirming that the show would be pulled from its lineup indefinitely, stating:
“Given the nature of the remarks and the current climate, we believe pausing the broadcast is in the public interest.”
No replacement programming has been announced, and the future of the show remains uncertain.
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr weighed in, suggesting that broadcasters who continue airing Kimmel’s show could face increased scrutiny. In a podcast interview, Carr said:
“There are ways for networks to take action on Kimmel—or the FCC may need to step in.”
His comments have sparked debate over government involvement in media regulation, with critics warning of potential First Amendment violations.
The suspension has ignited a firestorm of reactions across social media and political circles:
Ben Stiller tweeted: “This isn’t right.”
President Donald Trump praised the cancellation on Truth Social, calling Kimmel “a disgrace to television.”
Billy Bush posted: “The First Amendment doesn’t exist in America anymore. Fascism is here and it’s chilling.”
Supporters argue that Kimmel’s remarks were part of political satire, while detractors say they crossed a line during a time of national mourning.
Sources close to the show say Kimmel had planned to clarify his comments on the following night’s episode, explaining that his criticism was aimed at political spin—not the tragedy itself. However, the show was pulled before he could respond publicly.
ABC has not indicated whether Kimmel will be allowed to issue a formal statement or return to air.
The controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel Live! raises broader questions about the role of political satire in late-night television. With The Late Show with Stephen Colbert recently canceled and pressure mounting on NBC to drop Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon, networks are reevaluating the risks of politically charged content.
Broadcasters are increasingly cautious about segments that could provoke regulatory action or alienate viewers in polarized markets.
The indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! following controversial remarks about Charlie Kirk’s death marks a pivotal moment in the relationship between media, politics, and public accountability. As networks navigate the fine line between satire and sensitivity, the future of late-night commentary hangs in the balance.
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