Share
ABC has indefinitely suspended its late-night show Jimmy Kimmel Live! following controversy over host Jimmy Kimmel’s comments, regarding the recent shooting of conservative media figure Charlie Kirk.
The decision comes after Nexstar Media Group, which owns 200 television stations across the U.S., pulled the show from its network, stating it “strongly objects” to Kimmel’s remarks about the killing.
Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University on September 10, an event that sparked intense political debate. While the suspected shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, has an unclear motive, political commentators on both the left and right have suggested the killing was driven by political differences involving Kirk.
ABC, which is owned by Disney, faced additional pressure from Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr, who publicly criticized Kimmel’s comments and later thanked Nexstar on social media for its actions.
The suspension of Kimmel’s show marks a rare pre-emptive move by a major network in response to public and political backlash over commentary on a politically charged violent incident. The situation has further intensified discussions about the intersection of media, politics, and public safety, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding commentary on politically motivated violence.
