Jimmy Kimmel's Late-Night Show Suspended Amid Controversial Comments

Sun Oct 19 2025 23:33:26 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Following Jimmy Kimmel's recent remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk's assassination, ABC has suspended his late-night show. The suspension comes in light of backlash from multiple local stations and federal regulators.

ABC has suspended Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show following the host's controversial comments regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel's statements, perceived as offensive by some, led to a strong response from multiple local TV stations, resulting in Nexstar Communications pulling the show. The FCC Chairman praised the actions against Kimmel, and calls for an apology and donations to Kirk's organization have arisen. This incident raises questions around the influence of political discourse on media programming.

NEW YORK (AP) — Jimmy Kimmel’s television future hung in the balance Thursday after ABC suspended his late-night show following comments about the assassination of Charlie Kirk, prompting dozens of stations to refuse to air the show — a decision applauded by a top federal regulator.

The veteran late-night comic made several remarks earlier this week, asserting that “many in MAGA land are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk.” ABC acted quickly after Nexstar Communications announced it would pull Kimmel’s show, which has aired since 2003. Nexstar’s president condemned Kimmel’s comments as offensive and insensitive during a crucial period for national political discourse.

Sinclair Broadcasting, another company with significant local TV reach, also criticized Kimmel, demanding an apology and a meaningful donation to Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA, in the wake of his remarks. Sinclair plans to air a tribute to Kirk in Kimmel’s time slot.

In an appearance on CNBC, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr endorsed the actions of local affiliates, highlighting the need for the FCC to enforce public interest. “We’re reinvigorating the FCC’s enforcement of the public interest,” he noted.

Although Kimmel's contract is set to expire in May 2026, ABC did not specify the reasons for the suspension, nor did Kimmel comment immediately on the situation. Former President Donald Trump celebrated the network’s actions, claiming bravery in their decision.

Meanwhile, Kimmel faces scrutiny for suggesting that Kirk’s alleged assassin was possibly linked to pro-Trump sentiment, which Carr labeled “truly sick,” suggesting Kimmel misrepresented the circumstances surrounding Kirk's death.

The situation unfolds against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny regarding the intersection of politics and media, with the administration adopting a more aggressive stance towards broadcasters that challenge its narrative.