ABC has announced the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! Following backlash over comments host Jimmy Kimmel made regarding the recent killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The Disney-owned network confirmed late Wednesday that the late-night program would be “preempted indefinitely,” meaning other programming will air in its place.
The move came shortly after Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair Brendan Carr, appointed under former President Donald Trump, warned local broadcasters they risked fines or license revocation if they continued airing Kimmel’s show. Appearing on commentator Benny Johnson’s podcast, Carr said affiliates had an “obligation to serve the public interest.”
Media groups quickly acted ahead of ABC’s announcement. Nexstar Media, one of the largest US station owners, said it would stop airing Kimmel “for the foreseeable future,” while Sinclair Broadcast Group—the largest operator of ABC affiliates—revealed it would run a tribute to Kirk during the program’s usual slot.
Former President Donald Trump praised the suspension as “great news for America” and congratulated ABC for its “courage,” taking a swipe at other late-night hosts, Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers.
The controversy stems from Kimmel’s remarks during his monologues on Monday and Tuesday, where he criticized efforts by some right-wing figures, including Vice President JD Vance, to link Kirk’s death to the political left.
Kimmel argued that data shows far-right groups account for the majority of extremist violence in the US, and accused Vance of spreading “complete bullshit.”
Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar’s broadcasting division, said the host’s comments were “offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse,” adding that continuing to air the program was not “in the public interest.”
ABC has not indicated when—or if—Kimmel’s show might return.
