In a shocking turn of events, ABC, a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company, announced on September 17, 2025, that Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been pulled from the air “indefinitely” following controversial remarks made by host Jimmy Kimmel about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The decision, which came just hours after pressure from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and major ABC affiliate groups like Nexstar Media and Sinclair Broadcast Group, has ignited a firestorm of debate about free speech, cancel culture, and the role of late-night television in a polarized political climate. As Hollywood reels from the suspension of one of its most prominent voices, the incident raises questions about the pressures facing media figures and the future of Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Here’s a comprehensive look at the controversy, its fallout, and what it means for Kimmel and the industry.
The Charlie Kirk Tragedy and Kimmel’s Monologue
The controversy stems from the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA and a high-profile conservative activist, who was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Kirk, a close ally of President Donald Trump and a polarizing figure known for his outspoken views on gun rights, immigration, and progressive policies, was shot in the neck by 22-year-old suspect Tyler Robinson. Authorities have not fully clarified Robinson’s motives, though text messages released by prosecutors suggest he targeted Kirk due to his “hatred,” with Robinson’s mother noting her son’s recent shift toward left-leaning views, including support for pro-gay and trans rights causes. The incident, described as a targeted act of political violence, has intensified national debates about polarization and gun violence.
On his Monday, September 15, 2025, episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel addressed the tragedy in his opening monologue, criticizing what he called the “MAGA gang” for their response to Kirk’s death. “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it,” Kimmel said. He went on to mock President Trump’s response to Kirk’s death, playing a clip of Trump discussing a new White House ballroom when asked about his ally’s passing. “This is how a 4-year-old mourns a goldfish, OK?” Kimmel quipped. On Tuesday, he doubled down, accusing Vice President JD Vance of “fanning the flames” by blaming the left for Kirk’s death without evidence, calling Vance’s claim that “most lunatics in American politics today are proud members of the far left” baseless.
Kimmel’s comments, while in line with his history of sharp political commentary, sparked immediate backlash from conservative figures and viewers. On the day of Kirk’s shooting, Kimmel had posted on Instagram condemning the act and sending “love” to Kirk’s family, but his subsequent monologues shifted focus to critiquing the political exploitation of the tragedy. This juxtaposition—condolence followed by pointed satire—set the stage for a polarized reaction that would soon engulf the late-night host.
The Backlash and FCC Pressure
The decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! was driven by a rapid escalation of pressure from multiple fronts. On September 17, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, appeared on conservative commentator Benny Johnson’s podcast and slammed Kimmel’s remarks as “the sickest conduct possible.” Carr suggested that ABC affiliates risked fines or license revocation for airing content that constituted a “pattern of news distortion,” urging broadcasters to “push back” on Disney programming that didn’t serve the public interest. His comments raised alarms about potential government overreach, with critics noting that the FCC’s role is to regulate communications, not to police speech.
Hours after Carr’s interview, Nexstar Media Group, which owns 32 ABC affiliate stations and is seeking FCC approval for a $6.2 billion merger with Tegna, announced it would preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! “for the foreseeable future” starting that evening. Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar’s broadcasting division, called Kimmel’s comments “offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse” and stated that they did not reflect the values of the communities their stations serve. Sinclair Broadcast Group, the largest ABC affiliate group, followed suit, announcing it would replace Kimmel’s timeslot with a special remembrance program honoring Kirk on September 19 and would not resume airing the show until ABC addressed concerns about “professionalism and accountability.”
By Wednesday evening, ABC issued a brief statement: “‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ will be pre-empted indefinitely.” The decision, reportedly made by Disney CEO Robert A. Iger and television chief Dana Walden, came as affiliate stations signaled a broader revolt, with at least one other station group expressing concerns. President Trump celebrated the move on Truth Social, writing, “Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that’s possible.” Trump also called for NBC to cancel The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night with Seth Meyers, signaling a broader push against late-night hosts critical of his administration.
A Divided Response: Free Speech vs. Accountability
The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! has sparked a fierce debate about free speech and the role of comedy in addressing tragedy. Critics of ABC’s decision, including free speech advocates and Hollywood figures, argue that Kimmel’s remarks were within the bounds of his role as a satirist. The Writers Guild of America West and East issued a joint statement defending Kimmel, saying, “Shame on those in government who forget this founding truth. As for our employers, our words have made you rich. Silencing us impoverishes the whole world.” Comedian Mike Birbiglia posted on X, “If you’re a comedian and you don’t call out the insanity of pulling Kimmel off the air—don’t bother spouting off about free speech anymore.” California Governor Gavin Newsom called the suspension “coordinated” and “dangerous,” accusing the Republican Party of censoring critics of Trump.
On the other hand, conservative voices, including Trump allies like senior White House official Taylor Budowich, praised ABC for taking “the right and reasonable thing.” Sinclair called for Kimmel to issue a direct apology to Kirk’s family and make a “meaningful personal donation” to Turning Point USA, arguing that his comments were inappropriate during a time of national mourning. The backlash against Kimmel is part of a broader wave of consequences for those perceived to have downplayed or celebrated Kirk’s death. Since the shooting, at least 15 individuals, including a Phoenix sportswriter, a University of Mississippi faculty member, and a Secret Service agent, have faced suspensions or firings for social media posts deemed offensive, reflecting heightened sensitivity around the tragedy.
Kimmel’s defenders point out the irony of conservatives, who have often decried “cancel culture,” now championing his suspension. MSNBC’s Chris Hayes called it “the most straightforward attack on free speech from state actors I’ve ever seen,” while the American Civil Liberties Union labeled it “beyond McCarthyism.” Anna Gomez, the lone Democratic FCC commissioner, criticized Carr’s threats, stating, “An inexcusable act of political violence by one disturbed individual must never be exploited as justification for broader censorship or control.” These voices argue that ABC’s decision sets a dangerous precedent, allowing government pressure to silence dissenting voices in media.
The Context: Late-Night in a Polarized Era
The suspension comes at a precarious time for late-night television. In July 2025, CBS announced the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert after the 2025-2026 season, citing financial challenges amid declining viewership for linear TV. The move, which followed a $16 million settlement between CBS and Trump over a 60 Minutes interview, raised suspicions of political motivations, especially as Paramount sought FCC approval for a merger with Skydance Media. Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which averaged 1.57 million viewers per episode in the 2024-2025 season, has also faced ratings pressures as audiences shift to streaming and social media. Kimmel, who has hosted since 2003 and earned an Emmy for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? in 2025, had previously hinted that his current contract, set to expire in 2027, might be his last.
Kimmel’s history of clashing with Trump, including mocking the president’s 2024 Oscars performance and criticizing his policies, has made him a frequent target. Trump’s Truth Social posts have repeatedly called for Kimmel’s ousting, framing him as part of a late-night “exodus” of “no-talent” hosts. The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! follows a pattern of media companies facing pressure from the Trump administration, including ABC’s $15 million settlement with Trump over comments by anchor George Stephanopoulos in 2024. The involvement of FCC Chairman Carr, who has targeted broadcasters over diversity policies and content critical of Trump, underscores the growing influence of regulatory threats on media decisions.
What’s Next for Kimmel and ABC?
As of now, Kimmel has not publicly commented on the suspension, though a source told CNBC that he has not been fired and that Disney plans to discuss his return, including what he should say on air. On September 17, Kimmel was seen leaving the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, where his show is taped, wearing a flannel shirt and cap, declining to speak with reporters. Fans waiting to attend the live taping were turned away, with one audience member from Florida noting the abrupt cancellation just as they were about to enter.
The future of Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains uncertain. ABC’s decision to replace the Wednesday episode with a rerun of Celebrity Family Feud suggests a temporary pause, but the “indefinite” label and Sinclair’s refusal to resume airing until “appropriate steps” are taken raise questions about the show’s long-term viability. Some speculate that Disney, wary of further regulatory scrutiny or affiliate backlash, may seek a compromise, such as an apology from Kimmel or a shift in the show’s tone. Others believe Kimmel, known for his defiance, may push back against demands to soften his commentary, potentially escalating the conflict.
Why This Matters
The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! is a pivotal moment in the ongoing culture wars, highlighting the tension between free speech and accountability in a hyper-partisan era. Kimmel’s remarks, while provocative, were consistent with his role as a comedian who uses satire to critique power. The swift reaction from the FCC, affiliate groups, and conservative figures illustrates the growing pressure on media companies to self-censor in response to political sensitivities. For Kimmel, a veteran host who has navigated controversies before, the incident tests his resilience and the durability of his platform.
For audiences, the suspension is a stark reminder of the fragility of open discourse in a time of heightened political division. Whether Jimmy Kimmel Live! returns or becomes a casualty of this clash, the incident underscores a broader truth: in 2025, even a late-night comedian’s words can ignite a national firestorm, with consequences that ripple far beyond the studio.
