ABC Pulls Jimmy Kimmel Live! After New Kirk Comments

ABC announced that its late-night Jimmy Kimmel Live! would be suspended indefinitely following controversial remarks made by host Jimmy Kimmel about the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

The decision came after Nexstar Media Group, which operates many ABC-affiliated television stations, declared it would preempt the program across its affiliates, stating it “strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace Jimmy Kimmel Live! with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets.”

What Kimmel Actually Stated

In the monologue that triggered the backlash, Kimmel stated:

“We had 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 with everything they can to score political points from it.”

Critics state the phrasing suggested political motivations or affiliation by proxy, even though current official statements and legal filings do not support an established link to any ideology.

What ABC, Nexstar, and the FCC Stated

Nexstar’s Andrew Alford, president of its broadcasting division, described Kimmel’s comments as “offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located.”

Alford also added that “continuing to give Mr. Kimmel a broadcast platform in the communities we serve is simply not in the public interest at the current time” and that Nexstar made what it called a “difficult decision” to pause airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! “in an effort to let cooler heads prevail as we move toward the resumption of respectful, constructive dialogue.”

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), under Chairman Brendan Carr, also entered the debate. Carr called Kimmel’s remarks “the sickest conduct possible” and warned that the FCC could review, or potentially revoke, broadcaster licenses if obligations to operate “in the public interest” were not met.

What Remains Unresolved or Disputed

• ABC has stated Jimmy Kimmel Live! will be taken off air indefinitely, but has not committed to a date for return.
• It remains unclear whether Kimmel’s comments explicitly asserted that the accused shooter was definitively part of MAGA or a Republican; some reports suggest he used phrasing that implies political connection or hypocrisy rather than a confirmed affiliation.
• There is tension between free speech / comedic license arguments and regulatory obligations for broadcasters. Some see the FCC’s threats as overreach, while others believe broadcasters must answer for content that inflames political polarization.

Context and Implications

This episode fits within wider national debates over late-night shows, political commentary, and media responsibility. Jimmy Kimmel Live! has long been known for sharp political satire, particularly criticism of Donald Trump and conservative causes.

Some media analysts argue the move to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! reflects rising pressure on broadcasters from political forces and regulatory bodies to police or temper language on sensitive subjects. Others worry about chilling effects on free speech and whether creators will self-censor to avoid backlash or sanctions.