Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been pulled “for the foreseeable future” from several ABC affiliates after Jimmy Kimmel’s controversial remarks about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. ABC and Nexstar Media Group confirmed the decision, which took effect Wednesday.
During Monday’s episode, Kimmel mocked public reactions to Kirk’s death, questioned lowering flags in his honor, and took a swipe at Donald Trump. The jokes drew backlash from conservatives and regulators, with FCC Chair Brendan Carr warning of “a pattern of news distortion” and hinting at possible fines or license reviews.
In response, Nexstar announced its ABC stations would stop airing Kimmel’s program, replacing it with other late-night content. The suspension happened before Kimmel could address the controversy on-air.
Trump, on a state visit in the UK, celebrated the move online, calling Kimmel “ratings challenged” and “untalented,” while urging networks to target other late-night hosts. His comments intensified the already long-running feud between the two.
The suspension underscores ongoing tensions between editorial freedom and political sensitivity. For now, Kimmel’s show remains off-air in several markets, with no announced timeline for its return.