Jimmy Kimmel’s Show Suspended After Controversial Remarks on Kirk

UPDATE: Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, has been suspended indefinitely by ABC following controversial comments made by the host regarding the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The decision comes after a group of affiliated stations voiced their refusal to air the program, citing Kimmel’s remarks as offensive and insensitive.

Kimmel’s comments were made during the Monday and Tuesday broadcasts after Kirk was fatally shot on September 10, 2023, during a debate at a Utah Valley campus event. Kimmel criticized former President Donald Trump‘s reaction to Kirk’s death, stating, “This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he called a friend. This is how a 4-year-old mourns a goldfish.”

The backlash intensified when Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar’s broadcasting division, announced the suspension, stating that Kimmel’s remarks were damaging to the national political discourse. Alford’s network operates 23 ABC affiliates across the country, further escalating the situation.

In a statement, Kimmel also suggested that many in the “MAGA land” were “working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk.” This sentiment drew ire, prompting Brendan Carr, Chairman of the FCC, to label Kimmel’s comments as “truly sick.” Carr indicated that the FCC has a strong case for holding Kimmel and ABC accountable for what he called misinformation surrounding the circumstances of Kirk’s death.

Kimmel’s remarks suggested that Tyler Robinson, the alleged assailant, might have been a pro-Trump Republican. “The MAGA Gang is desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them,” Kimmel stated during his monologue, further igniting controversy.

Meanwhile, former President Trump, currently on a state visit to the UK, praised ABC’s decision on his social media platform, Truth Social, saying, “Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done.” This response illustrates the deep divisions in American political culture, especially in the wake of high-profile tragedies.

The timing of Kimmel’s suspension raises questions about the current climate of political sensitivity in the U.S., especially following Kirk’s assassination, which has shocked many and intensified debates regarding free speech and public discourse. As the situation develops, Kimmel’s future with ABC remains uncertain, with his contract set to expire in May 2024.

As the political fallout continues, observers are closely watching how both media and political entities respond to the ongoing controversy. Kimmel returned to the topic on Tuesday night, mocking Vice President JD Vance, who was guest hosting Kirk’s podcast. Kimmel’s comments, coupled with the intense backlash from political figures, demonstrate the heightened tensions surrounding Kirk’s death.

What happens next could reshape public discussions around free speech and the responsibilities of media figures in the charged landscape of American politics. The implications of this incident are profound, with many calling for accountability in how public figures address sensitive topics.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.