ABC pulls Jimmy Kimmel Live after comments on Charlie Kirk

ABC has suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely after controversial remarks Jimmy Kimmel made about the recent killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The decision to take the show off the air came amid pushback from ABC affiliate stations and the Federal Communications Commission. 

Key details of what led to the suspension:

• On his show, Kimmel accused MAGA supporters of trying to distance themselves from the shooter while also exploiting the incident for political advantage. 

• Nexstar Media Group, which owns many ABC‑affiliated stations, publicly criticized Kimmel’s comments as “offensive and insensitive.” It announced that it would stop airing his show from Wednesday night in its ABC markets. 

• ABC then confirmed the show’s suspension nationwide, saying the program would be pre‑empted (i.e., replaced in the schedule) indefinitely.

Reactions and broader context:

• FCC Chairman Brendan Carr condemned Kimmel’s remarks, describing them as misleading, and suggested there could be consequences for broadcasters who air content he deemed irresponsible. 

• The move has stirred debate about free speech, political pressure on media, and the role of affiliates in deciding what gets aired. Some see it as censorship or capitulation.

Source: PM