ABC’s shocking decision confirmed.
ABC has announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will be taken off the air following backlash over the comedian’s explosive comments about the killing of Charlie Kirk.
Charlie Kirk’s polarizing role highlighted.
Kirk, who founded Turning Point USA, became one of the most visible young voices of the conservative movement, often drawing both loyal supporters and fierce critics.
His sudden death at a college campus in Utah has now become a lightning rod in America’s ongoing culture wars.
Kirk, a conservative activist, was shot dead on September 10 at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, sending shockwaves through both political and student communities.
Kimmel’s remarks have struck a nerve with conservative groups and media outlets nationwide.
Kimmel’s history of edgy commentary profiled.
This is not the first time Kimmel has found himself embroiled in controversy, with his monologues often mixing sharp political criticism and satire.
In July, CBS confirmed The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would end after its next season, citing financial reasons.
Though CBS blamed economics, critics pointed to Colbert’s controversial jab that Paramount’s $16 million settlement with Donald Trump was a “big fat bribe.”
Kimmel, Colbert, and others have long blurred the lines between entertainment and politics, a formula that increasingly comes with professional consequences.
The controversial monologue revealed.
The 57-year-old late-night host faced outrage after Monday night’s monologue, where he claimed the “MAGA gang” was exploiting Kirk’s death for political gain.
“We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang trying to characterize this kid who killed Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them,” Kimmel told viewers.
Network’s response explained.
A spokesperson for the network confirmed to The Post on Wednesday, September 17: “Jimmy Kimmel Live will be pre-empted indefinitely.”
Nexstar, a major ABC affiliate operator, announced it would preempt Kimmel’s program across its network of stations starting immediately.
“Nexstar strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming,” the company said in a press release.
Andrew Alford, Nexstar’s broadcasting president, called Kimmel’s words “offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse.”
“We do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located,” Alford added.
He explained that continuing to air Kimmel was “not in the public interest” and that the move was meant to give space for “respectful, constructive dialogue.”
Kimmel’s representatives have not yet responded to requests for comment on the developing situation.
FCC Chairman’s thoughts disclosed.
The controversy escalated further when FCC Chairman Brendan Carr suggested the late-night host’s remarks may carry regulatory consequences for both Kimmel and ABC.
In an interview with conservative podcaster Benny Johnson, Carr described Kimmel’s monologue as “some of the sickest conduct possible.”
Carr reminded that licensed TV stations must operate “in the public interest” and avoid “news distortion” under federal broadcast regulations.
“We can do this the easy way or the hard way,” Carr said, hinting at penalties unless corrective action is taken.
Carr added that Kimmel, ABC, and Disney could face further regulatory action unless they issue at least a public apology.
“A public apology from Kimmel would be a very reasonable, minimal step,” Carr emphasized during the interview.
“There are calls for Kimmel to be fired,” Carr said. “I think you could certainly see a path forward for a suspension over this.”
“The FCC is going to have remedies that we could look at. This is a very, very serious issue right now for Disney,” Carr added.
Network fallout deepens.
With Nexstar’s announcement, Kimmel’s absence now stretches beyond ABC headquarters, affecting local affiliates in communities across the country.
ABC has provided no date for when, or if, Kimmel’s show might return to its late-night slot.
The indefinite hiatus raises major questions about the future of one of late-night television’s longest-running programs.
With both the FCC and ABC leadership involved, the controversy is escalating beyond late-night television into a larger media firestorm.
While critics call for Kimmel’s removal, some fans argue the comedian was exercising free speech in critiquing political hypocrisy.
For now, ABC has pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air indefinitely, leaving the host on an involuntary hiatus as the fallout continues to mount.