Jimmy Kimmel’s monologue about Donald Trump and the late Charlie Kirk has spiraled into a major national controversy, leading ABC and Nexstar Media to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely.
The uproar started when Trump, asked about Kirk’s assassination, said, “I think very good,” before mentioning White House renovations. Kimmel joked Trump mourned “like a 4-year-old mourning a goldfish,” which many called disrespectful to Kirk.
Backlash was immediate. ABC pulled the show, while Nexstar labeled Kimmel’s remarks “offensive and insensitive.” Hollywood reacted with shock, as late-night hosts rarely lose their platforms over provocative jokes. Ben Stiller defended Kimmel, saying: “This isn’t right.”
Former President Barack Obama joined the debate, condemning the suspension as political coercion. He warned that pressuring networks undermines the First Amendment and urged them to “stand up rather than capitulate.” Trump, however, praised the suspension as “great news for America,” fueling claims of partisan influence.
The controversy has divided the public — some view Kimmel’s joke as satire exposing hypocrisy, while others see it as tasteless mockery after a tragedy. With Kimmel silent so far, his next step could determine if this is a career setback or a turning point in the fight over comedy and free speech.
