ABC takes Jimmy Kimmel off air over Charlie Kirk comments

September 18, 2025

ABC has indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show following controversial comments he made about the shooting of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk. During his Monday night monologue, Kimmel claimed the "Maga Gang" was trying to score political points from Kirk's killing, which prompted FCC Chair Brendan Carr to threaten action against Disney and ABC. Shortly after ABC's announcement, President Trump celebrated on social media, incorrectly stating Kimmel's show had been cancelled.

Who is affected

Jimmy Kimmel (suspended late-night host)
ABC and Disney (network and parent company)
Charlie Kirk's family (mentioned as recipients of Kimmel's condolences)
Fans of Jimmy Kimmel Live! (expressed disappointment)
Nexstar Media and Sinclair (TV station owners refusing to air the show)
Hollywood figures who support Kimmel (including Ben Stiller, Jean Smart, Jamie Lee Curtis, John Legend, Josh Gad, and Alison Brie)

What action is being taken

ABC is pre-empting Jimmy Kimmel Live "indefinitely"
Nexstar Media and Sinclair (major TV station owners) are not airing Kimmel's show "for the foreseeable future"
Sinclair is airing a special remembrance program dedicated to Kirk during Kimmel's time slot
Hollywood figures and organizations like the Writers Guild of America and Sag-Aftra are speaking out against the suspension
A small protest is being held outside Kimmel's studio

Why it matters

The suspension raises concerns about free speech and government influence over media content, with House Democrat leaders accusing FCC Chair Carr of "corrupt abuse of power"
It represents a significant disruption to one of America's longest-running and most prominent late-night talk shows (on air since 2003)
The incident highlights growing tensions in political discourse, particularly surrounding media coverage of political figures
The suspension occurs amid broader changes in late-night television as viewers shift to streaming platforms
It demonstrates potential regulatory pressure from the FCC on broadcasters regarding political content

What's next

According to a source familiar with the situation, ABC network bosses intend to speak with Kimmel about what he should say when he returns to air
No explicit next steps stated in the article regarding when or if Kimmel will return to broadcasting

Read full article from source: BBC