LOS ANGELES — ABC has taken the extraordinary step of suspending its long-running late-night program, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, indefinitely. The decision comes in the wake of intense backlash over host Jimmy Kimmel’s Monday night monologue, which inaccurately connected the suspect in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk to the MAGA movement associated with former President Donald Trump.
The suspension was announced after mounting pressure from several fronts. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr publicly suggested potential regulatory action against the network. This was followed by concrete business decisions, including from major affiliate groups like Nexstar Media Group, which opted to pull the show from its local stations. Faced with a growing boycott, parent company Disney made the decision to halt the program’s broadcast nationwide.
The controversy stems from Kimmel’s opening segment, which aired shortly after news broke of Kirk’s death at a Utah event. In his remarks, Kimmel allegedly suggested the alleged shooter was motivated by Trump’s political rhetoric. Law enforcement officials have since stated no such political motive has been established.
The legal and personal repercussions are mounting. Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, has filed a $40 million defamation lawsuit against ABC and Jimmy Kimmel, alleging the monologue maliciously mischaracterized her husband’s death and inflamed political tensions.
The incident has ignited a fierce debate about media accountability and free speech, drawing reactions from prominent figures across the political spectrum. Former President Barack Obama commented on the situation, stating, “After years of complaining about cancel culture, the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level by routinely threatening regulatory action against media companies unless they muzzle or fire reporters and commentators it doesn’t like.”
The future of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” remains uncertain as ABC and Disney navigate the legal, regulatory, and public relations fallout.
