ABC, a network under Walt Disney ownership, has announced the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live following controversial statements made by host Jimmy Kimmel regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The decision came after Kimmel's Monday monologue, where the host criticized supporters of President Donald Trump for allegedly attempting to politicize the tragedy.
Kirk, a prominent 31-year-old figure in Trump's political circle known for his right-wing activism and debating prowess, was fatally shot in the neck on September 10 while addressing students at Utah Valley University.
Prosecutors have charged 22-year-old Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder in connection to the incident.
Robinson surrendered to authorities following a two-day manhunt, and court documents reveal that relatives described him as having shifted toward left-leaning views recently.
He reportedly viewed Kirk's rhetoric as hateful, as evidenced by text messages sent to his roommate and partner after the shooting, where he expressed frustration with "his hatred" and noted that "some hate can’t be negotiated out."
A precise motive for the killing has yet to be fully established.
Kimmel, a longstanding critic of Trump, used his opening segment to accuse the "MAGA gang" of rushing to blame left-wing elements without full knowledge of the shooter's background.
He remarked that conservatives were "desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it."
The host further lambasted Trump's response to the event, comparing it to immature behavior.
These comments ignited immediate fury among conservative circles, with accusations that Kimmel had prematurely suggested the suspect aligned with Trump supporters.
The following evening, Kimmel doubled down, claiming Trump was exacerbating divisions by targeting left-wing groups.
In response, the Trump administration vowed stricter measures against organizations it deems responsible for heightening anti-conservative sentiment.
President Trump even announced intentions to classify the Antifa movement as a terrorist entity.
The backlash escalated when Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr publicly warned of potential repercussions for ABC and its parent company Disney.
In an interview with podcaster Benny Johnson, Carr stated, “This is a very, very serious issue right now for Disney.”
He emphasized the FCC's role in licensing broadcasters and their duty to serve the public interest, hinting at investigations or fines for biased content.
Local broadcaster Nexstar, which operates several ABC affiliates and is awaiting FCC approval for a major acquisition, swiftly acted by dropping the show from its stations starting Wednesday.
Nexstar described Kimmel's remarks as "offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse."
Trump praised the suspension on social media, calling it "great news for America" and labeling Kimmel's program as ratings-challenged.
Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers decried the move as an assault on free speech.
This incident reflects a wider pattern of repercussions for public figures and media outlets commenting on Kirk's death, amid calls from Republican leaders for respectful mourning.
Several individuals have faced suspensions or terminations for online discussions of the assassination.
The suspension of Kimmel's show underscores escalating tensions in U.S. media and politics.