NEW YORK — Jimmy Kimmel’s TV career is on shaky ground following ABC's suspension of his late-night show due to his controversial comments about Charlie Kirk's assassination. Kimmel's remarks were strongly condemned, leading multiple stations to withdraw the show from airing, a change welcomed by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
The veteran late-night host faced backlash after making remarks about the murder of conservative figure Charlie Kirk, suggesting that some within the right-wing community were attempting to exploit the situation for political gain. ABC's swift decision came after Nexstar Communications announced it would suspend broadcast of Jimmy Kimmel Live! commencing Wednesday.
Nexstar's president described Kimmel’s remarks as “offensive and insensitive,” and alongside Sinclair’s announcement that its ABC affiliates would feature a tribute to Kirk in Kimmel's time slot, the late-night host faced mounting pressure to apologize. Sinclair also called for Kimmel to make a personal donation to Kirk's organization.
Carr, while praising the actions of the stations, highlighted the FCC's role in ensuring that public interest is served. This situation has intensified political scrutiny over Kimmel, especially considering the ongoing battles over media free speech and political accountability.
As Kimmel's contract approaches its May 2026 expiration, he has yet to respond to the suspension. Meanwhile, Donald Trump took to social media to applaud ABC's decision, framing it as a necessary move. He and other critics maintain that Kimmel's comments were not just offensive but misleading regarding the political affiliations of Kirk's alleged assassin.
This troubling incident underscores the sensitive nature of political commentary in today's media landscape and raises significant discussions about the responsibilities of public figures in a divided political environment.
