jimmy kimmel

ByAadmin

As of September 21, 2025, Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has been indefinitely suspended by ABC following controversial comments he made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The decision came after significant pressure from the Trump administration, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and a number of network affiliates. 
The controversy
  • Kimmel’s comments: During his September 15 monologue, Kimmel criticized the reaction of President Trump and his supporters, “the MAGA gang,” to Kirk’s killing. Authorities had stated the alleged killer held a “leftist ideology,” but Kimmel implied he was a Trump supporter and accused the right of trying to politicize the death.
  • Response from Trump and conservatives: The monologue sparked immediate backlash from conservative figures, including Elon Musk, who called Kimmel “disgusting”. Trump celebrated the suspension on his social media platform.
  • Pressure from the FCC and affiliates: FCC Chairman Brendan Carr publicly condemned Kimmel’s remarks, threatening potential regulatory action against ABC and its affiliated stations. A major affiliate owner, Nexstar Media Group, announced it would pull the show from its stations, a move that preceded ABC’s decision to suspend the show entirely.
  • The suspension: Facing mounting pressure and advertiser concerns, ABC announced on September 17 that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would be “pre-empted indefinitely”. A spokesperson clarified that the show is on hiatus, not canceled, and Kimmel has not been fired. 
Aftermath and reactions
  • Talks for a return: Reports from Vanity Fair indicate that Kimmel’s team is in negotiations with Disney and ABC to find a path for the show’s return.
  • Widespread reaction: The suspension has triggered a broader debate about free speech and political pressure on the media.
    • Support for Kimmel: Other late-night hosts, including David Letterman and Bill Maher, have criticized the decision as censorship, as have actors and the Writers Guild of America.
    • Boycott calls: Some celebrities have called for a boycott of Disney+, the parent company of ABC, in protest of the suspension.
    • Protests in Hollywood: Protests have taken place outside Kimmel’s Hollywood studio.
  • Future is uncertain: Kimmel’s contract with ABC runs until May 2026, and his return remains uncertain. The fate of his crew, many of whom are still recovering from the financial strain of a 2023 actors’ strike, is also a significant concern.