ABC pulls Jimmy Kimmel Live after Kirk Remarks Spark Backlash

ABC has suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live indefinitely following remarks the late-night host made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a move that has sparked intense debate over free speech and government pressure on broadcasters.

The decision came after Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr warned local affiliates they could face investigations or even license challenges if they continued to air the show. Soon after, major affiliate owner Nexstar Media Group announced it would pull the program from its 32 ABC stations. ABC, owned by Walt Disney, then confirmed it would preempt the show nationwide.

Trump, who has repeatedly pressured broadcasters over critical coverage, celebrated the suspension on social media and called on other networks to fire their late-night hosts. Kimmel, a frequent critic of President Donald Trump, had accused Kirk’s allies of trying to “score political points” from the activist’s killing during his September 10 monologue. His comments drew swift condemnation from conservative figures.

Public Scrutiny

Democratic lawmakers, however, denounced the move as censorship. Senator Ed Markey labeled the decision “free speech under attack,” while FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, the commission’s only Democrat, said the agency should not dictate what broadcasters air.

Hollywood unions and entertainers also rallied behind Kimmel. The Writers Guild of America called the suspension “a betrayal of the founding truth that disagreement must be free,” while actors’ union SAG-AFTRA warned the action represented “suppression and retaliation that endangers everyone’s freedoms.” Actor Ben Stiller added on X, “This isn’t right.”

Kirk, 31, was shot dead while speaking at a Utah university last week. A 22-year-old suspect has been charged, though a motive has not yet been established. The killing has fueled political tensions across the country, with some critics of Kirk facing suspensions, firings, or public backlash over their remarks.

ABC has not indicated when, or if, Jimmy Kimmel Live will return. Kimmel himself has not commented publicly since the controversy erupted.

After more than 20 years on air, the potential permanent cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel Live has ignited widespread concern over censorship in the United States and abroad. Thousands of users rushed to social media to voice their solidarity with late-night host and take their stance against this move by ABC with quotes such as “I stand with Kimmel”. Many warned that the move marks the beginning of a broader campaign to silence critics of President Donald Trump, who has long been at odds with mainstream media outlets.