ABC has indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! following a wave of backlash over comments made by host Jimmy Kimmel regarding the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The network announced the decision on Wednesday, prompting protests outside Kimmel’s Hollywood studio and drawing sharp reactions from political figures and federal regulators.

The move came after Nexstar Communications Group, which operates 23 ABC affiliate stations, announced it would no longer air the show. In a statement, Nexstar Broadcasting President Andrew Alford said Kimmel’s remarks were “offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse.”

Kimmel sparked controversy with comments made during his Monday and Tuesday monologues, in which he suggested that “many in MAGA land are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk.” During Monday night’s show, Kimmel further implied that Kirk’s alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, might have been a pro-Trump Republican, saying, “The MAGA Gang (is) 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.”

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr criticized Kimmel’s comments, calling them “truly sick.” In an appearance on the Benny Johnson Podcast, Carr said the agency has grounds to hold Kimmel, ABC, and parent company Disney accountable for spreading misinformation. “We can do this the easy way or the hard way,” Carr warned. “These companies can find ways to take action on Kimmel or there is going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.”

Authorities investigating Kirk’s murder stated that Robinson, 22, grew up in a conservative household in southern Utah but had recently embraced progressive political beliefs and pro-LGBTQ views. His voter status was inactive, indicating he did not vote in recent elections. Investigators say Robinson told his transgender partner that he targeted Kirk because he had “enough of his hatred.”

President Donald Trump celebrated ABC’s decision on Truth Social, writing, “Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done.”

Kimmel, whose contract with ABC runs through May 2026, has not yet commented on the suspension. ABC’s official statement did not specify a timeline for the show’s return or whether further disciplinary action may be taken.

Source: YouTube