The fallout from Jimmy Kimmel’s recent remarks has thrown ABC’s late-night slate into turmoil, with a replacement already lined up while his show remains suspended.
ABC has pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely after the host drew widespread criticism for comments made following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah. Kirk was killed last week during the first stop of his “The American Comeback Tour.”
Kimmel inflamed controversy when he claimed MAGA supporters were attempting to “characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them … to score political points.” The remarks were met with sharp pushback, as The New York Times reported the alleged shooter held left-leaning, pro-LGBTQ positions.
Nexstar, one of ABC’s largest affiliate groups, was among the first to act, removing the program “for the foreseeable future” and calling Kimmel’s commentary “offensive and insensitive.” Sinclair also took measures, joining a growing list of affiliates unwilling to continue airing the show.
Federal regulators have also stepped in. FCC Chair Brendan Carr denounced Kimmel’s words as misleading and hinted at consequences if the network failed to act. Carr publicly applauded Nexstar and Sinclair for suspending the program, though some critics argue that the regulatory pressure may carry risks for free expression in media.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! Replacement Confirmed
In Kimmel’s absence, Sinclair announced plans to broadcast a special tribute to Kirk in his Friday night slot, with the option available to other ABC affiliates.
“Media conglomerate Sinclair will replace the Friday timeslot of Jimmy Kimmel Live! with a Charlie Kirk tribute special on its ABC affiliate stations–and is offering the special to all other ABC stations across the country,” Variety reported.
Variety further explained: “In addition, the company is demanding that Kimmel apologize to Kirk’s family and send ‘a meaningful personal donation' to them as well as Turning Point USA, the organization Kirk founded that advocates for conservative politics in high schools and colleges. Sinclair, one of the U.S.’s large TV station owners, has long had a reputation for having a politically conservative tilt.”
Carr, appointed FCC Chairman under President Trump, underscored his stance earlier this week, saying (via CNN): “We can do this the easy way or the hard way; These companies can find ways to change conduct and take actions on Kimmel, or there’s going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.”
Sinclair’s vice chairman Jason Smith later commented on the matter, aligning with Carr’s perspective. “We believe broadcasters have a responsibility to educate and elevate respectful, constructive dialogue in our communities,” he said via Variety. “We appreciate FCC Chairman Carr’s remarks today, and this incident highlights the critical need for the FCC to take immediate regulatory action to address control held over local broadcasters by the big national networks.”
The chain reaction has left Kimmel’s late-night show on indefinite hiatus, affiliates distancing themselves, a tribute special to Charlie Kirk taking his place on Sinclair stations, and regulators signaling the potential for further action.
Do you think ABC and its affiliates made the right decision regarding Kimmel? Share your take with us in the comments below.
No removing Kimmel was not right. Worse has been said in the past by others with no with no repercussions. Where or when does all this stop. How far will it go? One comment does not warrant being removed and livelihood forever changed.
I stand with Jimmy. Will be canceling Disney+. I believe in free speech
Yes we have free speech. If Jimmy Kimmel wants to say things politically wrong he can start a podcast etc. there are standards for speech on tv stations as would be with any employer. What if he made a “joke” about a gay person or a black person??? I applaud the suspension based on his comments at this critical time in our country!!
I don’t know what world you live in but jokes are constantly being made about gays and black people and no Republicans thought anything about it. This is free speech being attacked.
I think his boss is right to suspend him. Where is the line drawn? When you make false statements about a person that was murdered where is the joke in that? He has a code of conduct to show respect and not falsely accuse some o e else because you have a hired for that person. Did anyone make a joke about his kid that was sick no! So why pick on a dead person that can’t respond back. His wife has enough to deal with. This isn’t about free speech this is about common decency! This isn’t about Trump! The sponsors didnt like what they heard and said no and he refuse to do the right thing and apologize. He gets what he deserves! Grow up people and put yourself you their shoes. They have a business to run and many non liberal minded people to answer too.