Disney’s ABC Pulls Jimmy Kimmel Live! After Controversial Remarks on Charlie Kirk Killing

Disney’s ABC announced it will suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely following backlash over comments host Jimmy Kimmel made regarding the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The move came after Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr condemned Kimmel’s remarks on a conservative podcast, calling them “truly sick” and warning ABC could face potential license revocation.

Adding to the pressure, Nexstar Media Group, the largest U.S. television station owner, said it would stop broadcasting the late-night show “for the foreseeable future.” Nexstar is currently awaiting FCC approval for its $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna Inc. (NYSE: TGNA).

Kimmel, during his Monday night monologue, referenced Tyler James Robinson, the 22-year-old charged with Kirk’s murder at Utah Valley University. He linked Robinson to Donald Trump’s MAGA movement, accusing conservatives of trying to deflect blame while exploiting the tragedy politically. Kimmel also mocked Trump’s public response, saying, “This is how a 4-year-old mourns a goldfish.”

Kirk, 31, was fatally shot during a campus speech on September 10. Prosecutors charged Robinson with murder and announced they would seek the death penalty, citing political motivation.

Trump and allies responded by blaming left-wing rhetoric for the attack. The president, who has frequently attacked media outlets and filed defamation lawsuits, celebrated ABC’s decision. Calling Kimmel’s cancellation “great news for America,” Trump urged NBC to drop Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, while CBS has already canceled Stephen Colbert’s Late Show earlier this year.

The controversy underscores the growing tension between political figures, media personalities, and broadcast networks as debates over free speech, accountability, and media bias continue to escalate.