The ABC network has suspended its late-night program, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, indefinitely in response to a growing firestorm of criticism over comments the host made regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The decision, which came on September 17, 2025, followed a wave of backlash from television affiliates and political figures who condemned Kimmel’s remarks as “offensive and insensitive.” The suspension has reignited a fierce national debate over free speech, political comedy, and the role of network television in a polarized nation.
The controversy began during Kimmel’s Monday night monologue, where he addressed the assassination of Kirk, who was fatally shot at a Utah university. In his monologue, Kimmel accused the “MAGA gang” of “desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.” He then turned his focus to President Donald Trump, who had ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in Kirk’s honor. Mocking Trump’s reaction, Kimmel said, “This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he called a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish.” He also accused Trump of “fanning the flames” of political violence and mocked Vice President JD Vance’s appearance on Kirk’s podcast.
The comments drew immediate and widespread condemnation from conservatives and media organizations. Nexstar Media Group, which owns 23 ABC affiliates, was the first to announce that it would preempt Kimmel’s show indefinitely, stating that the host’s comments were “offensive and insensitive” and did not reflect the values of the local communities they serve. This was quickly followed by Sinclair Broadcast Group, which also pulled the show from its 30 ABC-affiliated markets. The pressure from affiliates ultimately led ABC to make the unprecedented decision to suspend the show.
While ABC did not explicitly state the reason for the suspension in its initial statement, the context made it clear. The network told reporters that the show would be “pre-empted indefinitely” and did not provide a timeline for its potential return. The suspension marks the first time in the show’s 22-year history that it has been taken off the air for reasons other than a planned hiatus or a labor dispute.
The incident has drawn reactions from across the political and media spectrum. President Trump celebrated the news on his social media platform, writing that it was “Great news for America” and calling Kimmel “a zero talent.” However, many others, including civil liberties groups and some in the comedy world, have expressed concern, arguing that the pressure campaign to silence Kimmel sets a dangerous precedent for free speech. The debate over whether Kimmel’s comments were a legitimate form of political satire or a dangerous and inappropriate response to a tragedy is likely to continue.
