Jimmy Kimmel Live has been pulled off the air indefinitely by ABC following controversial remarks made by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel regarding the shooting of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. This decision was confirmed by a spokesperson for the Disney-owned network in a statement to the BBC. The preemption of Kimmel's show comes after significant backlash stemming from his comments made during Monday night's monologue.
During his monologue, Kimmel criticized the so-called MAGA gang, accusing them of attempting to exploit the tragic incident for political gain. He stated that they were trying to portray the individual responsible for Kirk's murder as anything other than one of their own, while simultaneously trying to score political points from this devastating event. Kimmel's comments were made in the context of a court appearance by a 22-year-old suspect, who has been charged with aggravated murder in connection to the shooting of the 31-year-old influencer.
In addition to the backlash from the public, Kimmel's remarks drew criticism from Brendan Carr, the chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). On a podcast, Carr described Kimmel's comments as indicative of the “sickest conduct possible.” He called on Disney to take action, emphasizing that broadcasters operate under a license from the FCC that obliges them to act in the public interest. Carr warned that the FCC could take further steps if Kimmel's behavior continued unchecked, suggesting that an apology from the host would be a reasonable initial response.
The controversy escalated when Nexstar Media, one of the largest owners of TV stations in the United States, announced it would not air Jimmy Kimmel Live! for the foreseeable future, starting with that evening's show. Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar's broadcasting division, stated that Kimmel's remarks were offensive and insensitive, especially amid a critical time in national political discourse. He asserted that continuing to broadcast Kimmel's show would not reflect the diverse opinions and values of the local communities they serve.
As the situation develops, the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! raises questions about the responsibilities of public figures in the media and the impact of their words on society. With Kimmel frequently being at odds with political figures, particularly former President Donald Trump, this incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the current political climate. ABC's decision to preempt Kimmel's show is intended to allow for a period of reflection and to promote respectful dialogue in light of the recent tragedy.
