ABC has suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! after backlash to Kimmel’s monologues about the assassination of political figure Charlie Kirk. His remarks, linking the suspected shooter to political extremism and mocking some responses, drew outrage. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr condemned them as “truly sick” and warned of consequences for spreading misinformation.

The fallout spread quickly. Jimmy Fallon canceled a scheduled appearance at Fast Company’s Innovation Festival in New York, with organizers confirming his last-minute withdrawal but offering no explanation.

Pressure grew after Nexstar Communications, which runs 23 ABC affiliates, pulled the program, calling its content offensive and inappropriate. This mounting backlash pushed ABC to indefinitely suspend Kimmel’s show, sparking debate about free speech and accountability in late-night television.

Former President Donald Trump praised ABC’s move, blasting Fallon and NBC hosts as “total losers” and urging NBC to follow suit. His comments added further political weight to the controversy.

The suspensions highlight the intense scrutiny late-night shows now face. With politics, media, and public opinion clashing, networks are caught between defending creative expression and responding to political and regulatory pressure.