ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live indefinitely on Wednesday following controversial comments about Charlie Kirk’s assassination, after affiliated stations threatened to discontinue the programme amid mounting regulatory pressure from the Federal Communications Commission.
The suspension follows remarks made by the Emmy-winning late-night host during Monday and Tuesday broadcasts criticising political reactions to Kirk’s killing on 10 September at Utah Valley University. Nexstar Communications Group, operating 23 ABC affiliates, announced Wednesday it would discontinue airing the show, with Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar’s broadcasting division, stating Kimmel’s comments “are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse.”
During Monday’s monologue, Kimmel suggested alleged killer Tyler Robinson might have been a pro-Trump Republican, stating: “The MAGA Gang is desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.” Kimmel also criticised President Trump’s response to Kirk’s death, saying: “This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he called a friend. This is how a 4-year-old mourns a goldfish.”
President Trump, currently on a state visit to the UK, celebrated the network’s decision via Truth Social, writing: “Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done.” FCC Chairman Brendan Carr escalated pressure on the network, labelling Kimmel’s remarks “truly sick” and claiming his agency possesses grounds for holding Kimmel, ABC, and parent company Walt Disney accountable for spreading misinformation.
Speaking on the Benny Johnson podcast, Carr warned Disney: “This is a very serious issue right now for Disney. We can do this the easy way or the hard way. These companies can find ways to take action on Kimmel, or there is going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.” Carr alleged the comedian intentionally misled audiences about the assassin’s political affiliations.
The suspension occurs amid heightened tensions following Kirk’s assassination, with the Trump administration and conservative allies increasing efforts to monitor commentary about the Turning Point USA founder’s death. Vice President JD Vance has urged Americans to report citizens mocking the assassination, whilst Carr has launched investigations of outlets that have angered Trump.
Kimmel returned to the topic on Tuesday night, mocking Vice President Vance’s performance as guest host for Kirk’s podcast and saying Trump was “fanning the flames” by attacking people on the left. “Which is it? Are they a bunch of sissy pickleball players because they’re too scared to be hit by tennis balls, or a well-organised deadly team of commandos? Because they can’t be both of those things,” Kimmel said.
Charlie Kirk, the American far-right campaigner and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed whilst debating at the Utah campus event, stunning the nation and exposing deep divisions in an already polarised political climate. Much of the prominent Trump ally’s controversial comments and strong political views have stirred opposition, with liberals rejecting attempts to honour his life, prompting the Trump administration and MAGA base to step up efforts to police speech about Kirk’s death.
Kimmel’s show has aired on ABC since 2003, with his contract expiring in May 2026.
