Jimmy Kimmel Live! Pulled from ABC Affiliates Amid Controversy Over Comments on Charlie Kirk’s Killing
Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been removed from late-night lineups on numerous ABC affiliate stations “for the foreseeable future” following controversial remarks made by host Jimmy Kimmel regarding the recent killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The decision, confirmed by ABC and Nexstar Media Group—which operates many of the affected affiliates—began Wednesday and has left the show off-air in multiple markets with no announced timeline for its return.
Kimmel’s contentious comments aired during Monday’s episode, when he criticized the public response to Kirk’s shooting. He questioned the decision to lower flags in Kirk’s honor and made a pointed joke involving former President Donald Trump. These remarks sparked immediate backlash from conservative commentators and political figures.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), led by Chair Brendan Carr, weighed in strongly against Kimmel’s commentary. Carr accused ABC affiliates of exhibiting “a pattern of news distortion” and warned of potential regulatory consequences, including fines and reviews of station licenses. This federal pressure escalated the controversy and intensified scrutiny on the network and its affiliates.
In response, Nexstar Media Group announced it would stop airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! on its ABC stations for now, replacing the program with alternative late-night content. ABC has not confirmed if or when the show might return to these markets. Notably, Kimmel reportedly planned to address the backlash during Wednesday’s episode, but the preemptions prevented him from doing so.
Adding fuel to the fire, former President Donald Trump, currently on a state visit in the United Kingdom, publicly celebrated the suspension. On social media, he disparaged Kimmel as “ratings challenged” and “untalented,” and urged other networks to consider canceling other late-night hosts, continuing his long-running feud with Kimmel.
This situation underscores the increasing tension between editorial freedom in entertainment and heightened political sensitivities. Affiliates and networks now face difficult choices, balancing creative expression with regulatory pressures and viewer expectations amid a polarized political climate.
As the suspension continues, the broader debate over the role of political commentary in late-night television and the boundaries of media accountability remains unresolved. Kimmel’s removal from several markets marks a significant moment in ongoing discussions about free speech, corporate influence, and the evolving landscape of American broadcast media.
