ABC has decided to indefinitely suspend its late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live! after the host made remarks about the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk that sparked significant backlash. The network’s decision came swiftly in response to Kimmel’s comments, signaling a major programming shift at the broadcaster.
On Monday night, Kimmel addressed the killing of Kirk in Utah last week, suggesting that the alleged assassin, Tyler Robinson, was a supporter of former President Donald Trump. In his monologue, Kimmel criticized members of the MAGA movement for attempting to dissociate Robinson from their ranks, accusing them of trying to “score political points” from the tragedy. These remarks were perceived as highly contentious, prompting ABC, owned by Walt Disney, to halt the broadcast of the talk show without a specified return date.
Sources within the industry describe the network’s response as an effort to manage the fallout from Kimmel’s comments amid a charged political climate. This suspension reflects the sensitivity surrounding public discourse on politically motivated violence and the challenges broadcasters face balancing free speech with public backlash. ABC’s move to preempt the show indefinitely underscores a cautious approach amid growing cultural divisions and the potential impact on the network’s reputation and viewership.
While no official statement outlining future steps for Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been provided, insiders reveal the network is evaluating the situation carefully. The indefinite nature of the suspension leaves open questions about Kimmel’s role and the show’s return. This development is a rare and significant interruption for a high-profile late-night program and marks a notable moment in television history concerning the intersection of political commentary and entertainment programming.