Disney/ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely following host Jimmy Kimmel’s controversial remarks about the shooter and murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Remarks involving Charlie Kirk and Jimmy Kimmel stirred widespread controversy.
Disney/ABC’s decision came amid intense backlash, with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) threatening action against ABC affiliates, adding to the debate surrounding Jimmy Kimmel’s comments on Charlie Kirk.
During Tuesday’s episode, Kimmel addressed Kirk’s death, suggesting the shooter was a “MAGA Republican” and criticising conservatives for politicising the tragedy. “We hit some new lows… with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterise this kid… as anything other than one of them,” Kimmel said. The monologue, viewed by millions, drew accusations of insensitivity and bias, leading to a swift network response.
A Disney/ABC spokesperson confirmed the suspension, citing the need to review content standards. Nexstar, owning 28 ABC affiliates, announced it would pre-empt the show, stating Kimmel’s remarks were “offensive and insensitive.” FCC Chair Brendan Carr, a Trump ally, praised Nexstar and threatened license revocations for “news distortion,” referencing a similar probe into a 2024 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris.
Jimmy Kimmel’s full comments on Charlie Kirk which led to his show being taken off air indefinitely. pic.twitter.com/Ctg7LL8HWL
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) September 18, 2025Charlie Kirk, 31, founded Turning Point USA in 2012, becoming a key Trump ally. Known for conservative activism, Kirk’s death on September 10 during a Utah speech shocked the nation. Supporters hail his youth mobilisation, while critics decry his rhetoric on marginalised groups. His killing has fueled partisan blame, with Trump blaming the “radical left.” Even after his death, the discourse involving Kirk and Jimmy Kimmel remains highly charged.
The suspension affects markets like New Orleans and Salt Lake City. Nexstar’s move ties to its $6.2 billion TEGNA acquisition, pending FCC approval. CBS cancelled Stephen Colbert’s late-night show amid similar scrutiny, with Carr celebrating it as a win for community standards. These actions signal a crackdown on perceived political bias in late-night TV.
BREAKING: Walt Disney-owned ABC said it will indefinitely stop airing 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' after remarks the late-night host made about Charlie Kirk's assassination came under harsh criticism from the head of the FCC https://t.co/ZCWXdxRiX5 pic.twitter.com/cnrtEtZyjy
— Reuters (@Reuters) September 17, 2025Kimmel’s suspension highlights tensions between media freedom and regulatory oversight. With 67% of Americans linking harsh rhetoric to violence (Reuters/Ipsos poll), the case raises questions about accountability in polarised times. It could reshape late-night TV and influence FCC policies on content.
Read: Amanda Seyfried Faces Backlash for Calling Charlie Kirk ‘Hateful’ After His Murder
Jimmy Kimmel Live’s suspension after Charlie Kirk comments marks a turning point in media scrutiny. As the FCC investigates, the entertainment landscape shifts. The tensions between Kimmel and Kirk exemplify this broader media challenge.
