Jimmy Kimmel removed from broadcast indefinitely following comments made about Charlie Kirk.

Disney-owned ABC has indefinitely suspended “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” following controversial remarks made by the late-night host regarding the murder of activist Charlie Kirk. The decision, which took effect on September 17, 2025, follows backlash from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr. Carr criticized Kimmel’s comments during a podcast, describing them as some of the “sickest conduct possible,” and hinted at potential repercussions for ABC, including the possibility of revoking licenses for ABC affiliates.

Nexstar Media Group, which owns numerous local television stations across the country, announced it would preempt Kimmel’s show on its ABC-affiliated markets beginning with Wednesday’s broadcast. The company expressed strong objections to Kimmel’s remarks, which focused on the political implications of Kirk’s killing rather than the tragic incident itself. In a statement, Nexstar’s Broadcasting Division President, Andrew Alford, stated that Kimmel’s comments were offensive and did not reflect the values of the local communities served by their stations.

Kimmel’s Monday monologue suggested that Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect in Kirk’s murder, was aligned with right-wing ideologies, despite attempts by political figures, including former President Trump, to attribute blame for Kirk’s death to leftist factions. Kirk, who was fatally shot at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University, had been a controversial figure known for incendiary remarks on race and gender, drawing both support and condemnation.

Following Kirk’s death, many individuals who had previously criticized him found themselves facing professional repercussions, including job losses and social ostracism. Alford asserted that continuing to air Kimmel’s show would not be in the public interest, citing a need for more respectful political discourse in the current climate.

The suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” intersects with Nexstar’s ongoing efforts to secure FCC approval for a major merger with Tegna, a significant evolution in the media landscape that would create a company operating over 265 stations nationwide and covering a substantial portion of the American television audience. This merger, combined with the controversies surrounding Kimmel’s comments, underscores the complexities and heightened sensitivities of contemporary political and media relations.

Despite the suspension, Kimmel previously expressed condolences and support for Kirk’s family on social media. He criticized the cycle of violence and called for collective grief and compassion in response to tragic events rather than divisive political rhetoric.

As the fallout from these events continues to unfold, the broader implications for media freedom and the responsibilities of public figures in politically charged climates remain a focal point for many observers.