Jimmy Kimmel has refused to apologize or donate to the family of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk or Turning Point USA, despite demands from Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair, a major ABC affiliate owner, made the requests after ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely following backlash over Kimmel’s remarks on Kirk’s death.

Reports say Kimmel told Disney executives he would neither apologize nor meet the donation request. Sinclair responded by saying it would not bring the show back to its stations unless Kimmel publicly apologized and made a “meaningful personal donation,” arguing ABC’s suspension was insufficient. Nexstar Media Group, another large affiliate owner, also pulled the show, citing concerns about “community values.” These actions sharply reduced the show’s national reach even before ABC formally pre-empted it.

In a controversial monologue, Kimmel criticized political groups for allegedly exploiting Kirk’s murder for gain. Affiliates found the comments offensive and demanded corrective action. Sinclair announced plans to air a tribute to Kirk in the show’s time slot.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr supported the affiliates’ stance, condemning Kimmel’s remarks but said regulators would not directly intervene.

Some media figures defended Kimmel, framing the suspension as a free speech issue and warning about affiliate influence over network programming.

ABC called the suspension a temporary pre-emption, not a cancellation, leaving open the possibility of Kimmel’s return if concerns are resolved. Sinclair, however, insists on a direct apology and donation, leaving the show’s future uncertain amid an ongoing standoff.