ABC indefinitely pulls Jimmy Kimmel Live! Following Charlie Kirk’s controversial comment controversy
Jimmy Kimmel, known for his late-night talk show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has faced significant controversy due to recent comments he made about the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. As a result of this controversy, ABC announced on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, that it was indefinitely removing Jimmy Kimmel Live! from the airwaves. This decision was made following threats from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr and pressure from major TV station groups like Nexstar and Sinclair. In this article, we will discuss the causes, consequences, and wider implications of this controversy in detail, presenting it from an SEO-friendly and user-focused perspective.
Background to the Controversy
Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed during a speech at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. The incident sparked widespread debate across the American political and media landscape. 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was arrested for the murder, and Utah prosecutors have charged him with aggravated murder, illegal use of a weapon, and witness tampering. Prosecutors have also indicated they may seek the death penalty in the case. However, no clear information has yet emerged about Robinson’s motives.
Jimmy Kimmel commented on the incident on the September 15 episode of his show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!. In his monologue, he targeted Trump supporters, whom he calls the “MAGA gang,” saying, “We saw some new lows over the weekend when the MAGA gang tried to portray this guy who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and did everything they could to gain political mileage from it.” Kimmel also mocked that President Donald Trump, instead of mourning Kirk’s murder, talked about building a new ballroom at the White House.
Controversy Intensifies
Kimmel’s comments sparked a strong reaction in conservative circles. In particular, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump administration appointee, called Kimmel’s comments “extremely offensive.” Carr said on conservative podcaster Benny Johnson’s show that ABC affiliates should stop airing Kimmel’s show, or they could face consequences like “fines or license revocation.” Carr also said that Kimmel should apologize to Kirk’s family.
Soon after, Nexstar Media Group, which operates 32 ABC affiliate stations nationwide, announced that it would not air Kimmel’s show on its stations “indefinitely.” Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar’s broadcast division, said, “Mr. Kimmel’s comments about Charlie Kirk’s death are offensive and insensitive at this critical time in our national political discourse.” He also stated that providing Kimmel with a broadcast platform “is not in the best interest of our communities.”
Sinclair Broadcast Group, one of ABC’s largest affiliates, also decided not to air Kimmel’s show. Sinclair announced it would air a special program paying tribute to Charlie Kirk in Kimmel’s time slot on Friday, September 19th. Additionally, Sinclair asked Kimmel to make a “meaningful personal donation” to Kirk’s family and Turning Point USA.
ABC’s Decision and Trump’s Reaction
Following pressure from Nexstar and Sinclair, ABC announced Wednesday evening that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would be suspended “indefinitely.” An ABC spokesperson did not specify the reason behind the decision, but it was clear that the move was a result of pressure from the FCC and affiliate stations. An old episode of Celebrity Family Feud aired in place of Kimmel’s show on Wednesday night.
President Donald Trump welcomed the decision, writing on Truthout Social, “Great news for America: The Jimmy Kimmel Show, which has been lagging in the ratings, has been canceled. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what needed to be done.” Trump also said that Kimmel has “no talent” and his ratings are “worse than Colbert’s.” He urged NBC to cancel Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers’ shows as well.
Debate on Freedom of Expression
Kimmel’s suspension has sparked a widespread debate about freedom of expression. Many Democratic leaders and free speech advocates criticized the move as censorship. California Governor Gavin Newsom called it a “dangerous” and “coordinated” move, saying the Republican Party “does not believe in freedom of expression.” Senator Chuck Schumer said, “Everyone, regardless of political persuasion, should speak out against what’s happening to Jimmy Kimmel.”
The Writers Guild of America (WGA), which represents the writers of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, issued a statement saying, “The right to express one’s opinion and dissent is fundamental to free people.” SAG-AFTRA and the Musicians Union also sent letters in support of Kimmel. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) called the move an example of “caving to government pressure” and warned that it would “make late-night talk show hosts dependent on the president’s whims.”
Broader Impact
Kimmel’s suspension is more than just the cancellation of a TV show. This symbolizes the growing political polarization in America and the increasing pressure on freedom of expression. In recent months, the Trump administration has increased pressure on media organizations, including lawsuits against ABC News and CBS News. In July 2025, CBS announced the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, which many considered a result of political pressure against shows critical of Trump.
Furthermore, following Kirk’s murder, several other individuals, such as journalists, teachers, and ordinary employees, have been fired for their social media posts or comments related to Kirk, and the Washington Post also dismissed columnist Karen Attia.
Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension marks a turning point in the political and media landscape in America. This incident not only raises questions about the future of late-night talk shows but also forces us to consider whether freedom of expression can be protected in the face of political pressure. Kimmel’s supporters believe this is a clear example of censorship, while his critics argue that his comments were insensitive and inappropriate in a public forum.
This controversy could have long-term implications not only for Jimmy Kimmel’s career but also for the entire media industry and freedom of expression. As this case unfolds, it will be important to see whether ABC reconsiders its decision or whether this is the beginning of a broader censorship campaign.
8 thoughts on “ABC indefinitely pulls Jimmy Kimmel Live! Following Charlie Kirk’s controversial comment controversy”