ABC has indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! after the host suggested during his Monday monologue that the suspect in Charlie Kirk’s killing might have been a pro-Trump Republican. The network gave no reason in its announcement, and Kimmel, whose contract expires in May 2026, has not commented.
Shock in the Late-Night World
Stephen Colbert learned of the suspension while taping his own show in New York, briefly leaving the stage before telling a stunned audience he would call Kimmel privately. CBS recently announced Colbert’s Late Show will end next year for financial reasons.
Political and Regulatory Backlash
The Federal Communications Commission chairman called Kimmel’s comments “truly sick,” saying his agency had a case to hold Kimmel, ABC, and Disney accountable for spreading misinformation. Nexstar Communications Group also announced plans to pull the program from 23 ABC affiliates.
Trump Praises Cancellation
Former President Donald Trump celebrated the suspension on social media, calling Kimmel “ratings challenged” and urging NBC to drop other late-night hosts.
Obama Warns of Free Speech Threat
Former President Barack Obama condemned what he described as government coercion against media companies, saying it violates the First Amendment.
Support and Criticism from Public Figures
Reactions spanned the political spectrum.
- Comedians Wanda Sykes and Mike Birbiglia criticized the suspension as an attack on free speech.
- Actor Jean Smart called it “horrifying,” stressing that disagreeing with Kirk did not justify silencing Kimmel.
- Conservative voices like Megyn Kelly and Mark Levin argued Kimmel spread a harmful falsehood and deserved consequences.
Uncertain Future
With his show on hold and mounting political pressure, Kimmel’s future at ABC remains unclear as the debate over free expression and misinformation intensifies.
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