Jimmy Kimmel Pulled Off Air After Charlie Kirk Remarks

Jimmy Kimmel's news, (X/@jimmykimmel)

ABC announced on September 17, 2025, that Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been taken off the air “indefinitely” following remarks from its host that sparked a nationwide controversy. The network’s decision came after several affiliate groups, including Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, refused to carry the program.

Comments That Sparked the Backlash

During his September 15 monologue, Jimmy Kimmel criticized the political reaction to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. He accused the “MAGA gang” of exploiting the tragedy for political gain and mocked former president Donald Trump’s emotional tribute, saying adults do not mourn friends the way a “four-year-old mourns a goldfish.”
The remarks, widely circulated online, were labeled “offensive and insensitive” by both affiliates and media observers.

Conservative Outrage and Political Pressure

The reaction from conservative circles was immediate and fierce. The controversy escalated further when it was revealed that the suspected shooter, Tyler Robinson, had distanced himself from Kirk’s political positions and leaned more leftward. Critics accused Kimmel of misrepresenting the circumstances and deepening partisan divides.

FCC Chairman Intervenes

Even before ABC’s suspension, Brendan Carr, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, called Kimmel’s comments “among the most unhealthy conduct possible” and suggested regulatory responses, including potential fines or license reviews. His intervention added governmental weight to the calls for accountability.

Affiliates Refuse to Broadcast

Nexstar, the largest operator of ABC affiliates, issued a statement rejecting further broadcasts of Jimmy Kimmel Live! “The host’s comments were offensive and insensitive at a critical moment in our national political discourse,” said Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar’s broadcasting division. Sinclair also signaled alignment with that stance, amplifying the pressure on Disney-owned ABC.

A Broader Debate on Free Speech

The suspension has ignited debate over the boundaries of free speech, comedy, and political commentary in American media. Supporters of Kimmel argue that satire should not be censored, while opponents contend that his remarks crossed a moral line in mocking the death of a prominent public figure. The indefinite nature of the suspension leaves the future of the late-night show in question.