ABC has announced it will indefinitely suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live following remarks made by host Jimmy Kimmel about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The decision, revealed Wednesday, marks one of the most high-profile cancellations in U.S. media tied to the divisive fallout from Kirk’s death.
Why Did ABC Cancel Jimmy Kimmel Live?
During Monday’s monologue, Kimmel suggested that Tyler Robinson — the man charged with killing Kirk in Utah — was a supporter of former President Donald Trump. He also criticized attempts by conservative groups to politicize the tragedy.
ABC, owned by Disney, said the show would be “preempted indefinitely,” while Nexstar Media Group — which operates dozens of ABC affiliates — announced it would no longer broadcast the program. Nexstar President Andrew Alford called Kimmel’s words “offensive and insensitive at a critical time.”
See ABC News for updates on U.S. broadcasting and cancellations.
FCC Response and Political Fallout
Brendan Carr, chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), condemned Kimmel’s remarks in an interview with commentator Benny Johnson. Carr described the comments as “the sickest conduct possible” and warned that affiliates risk losing licenses if they continue airing the program.
Read our analysis on media regulations in the U.S.
Broader Context: Charlie Kirk Assassination
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was a prominent conservative voice who often drew both praise and criticism for his views. His killing has reignited debates over free speech, political violence, and media accountability.
Utah prosecutors charged Robinson with Kirk’s murder and confirmed they will seek the death penalty. The case has divided public opinion — with some mourning Kirk as a patriot while others condemned his polarizing rhetoric.
Free Speech Debate Intensifies
Kimmel’s suspension comes amid a wave of firings targeting individuals — including journalists and academics — who made controversial remarks about Kirk’s death. The backlash reflects a growing culture war over the limits of public speech in the U.S., with critics arguing that both left- and right-wing groups now weaponize cancellation campaigns.
ABC has not announced when, or if, Jimmy Kimmel Live will return. For now, the move adds fuel to an already heated conversation about media responsibility, political sensitivity, and the balance between entertainment and free expression.
Don’t miss our editorial on free speech in U.S. media.
