ABC suspends Jimmy Kimmel’s Late-Night Show indefinitely after Charlie Kirk's remarks
TOI World Desk | TOI Global Desk | Sep 18, 2025, 18:33 IST
Highlight of the story: ABC put Jimmy Kimmel Live! on indefinite hiatus after the host of the program, Jimmy Kimmel, made some polarizing comments regarding the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The decision is under pressure from affiliate stations, political leaders, and federal regulators. The decision comes as Disney and Nexstar seek pending FCC approvals, which have sparked a controversy about free speech and political involvement in the media.
ABC has suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely following the host’s comments on the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a move that has sparked political controversy and heightened tensions between the network, regulators, and the White House.
The suspension began on Wednesday after Nexstar Communications Group, which operates 23 ABC affiliates, announced it would stop airing the program. Nexstar Broadcasting President Andrew Alford said Kimmel’s remarks were “offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse.”
Kimmel, who has hosted the late-night program since 2003, addressed Kirk’s assassination in monologues on Monday and Tuesday, accusing conservatives of politicizing the killing. At one point, he suggested that Tyler Robinson, the alleged assailant, could have been a pro-Trump Republican. Federal authorities later stated Robinson had shifted toward left-leaning political views and targeted Kirk over his opposition to LGBTQ rights.
Political Fallout
The suspension drew immediate praise from President Donald Trump, who congratulated ABC on Truth Social, saying the network “finally had the courage to do what had to be done.” Yet another intensely strong condemnation came from FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who called them "truly sick." Carr warned that if ABC and Walt Disney Co. did not move on this, consequences would ensue, saying that "We can do this the easy way or the hard way."
Nick Sortor, an investigative reporter and podcast host, posted on X, " Leftists are MELTING DOWN over Disney/ ABC pulling Jimmy Kimmel, saying it's a 'violation of free speech'... But the were RADIO SILENT when Disney FIRED @ginacarano for speaking out against COVID mandates. They can ALL shut the hell up."
No reason for show cancellation has been specified, nor have either Kimmel himself or a publicist on his behalf made any statement. However, he is under contract to ABC until May 2026.
Industry and Regulatory Environment
The suspension occurs at a delicate juncture for both Disney and Nexstar, which have business outstanding before the FCC. Disney is seeking approval for ESPN’s acquisition of the NFL Network, while Nexstar is awaiting clearance for its $6.2 billion purchase of Tegna. Media analysts noted that reinstating Kimmel could risk further scrutiny from regulators and the administration.
The controversy also follows CBS’s announcement that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will end next year, a move some critics suspect was influenced by political pressure despite CBS citing financial reasons. Trump previously celebrated Colbert’s departure, and in recent months, the FCC has approved deals involving CBS parent company Paramount following its decision.
Free Speech Concerns
Not all regulators supported ABC’s decision. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez criticized what she described as the administration’s efforts to silence critics, while Ari Cohn, lead counsel at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, warned that “another media outlet withered under government pressure,” undermining freedom of expression.
Outside Kimmel’s Hollywood studio on Wednesday, audience members were informed at the last minute that the taping had been canceled. “They didn’t tell us what had happened.
They simply told them that the program was cancelled," said tourist Tommy Williams of Florida.
Wednesday evening, it was still not clear when, or if, Kimmel's program would resume on the air.
The suspension began on Wednesday after Nexstar Communications Group, which operates 23 ABC affiliates, announced it would stop airing the program. Nexstar Broadcasting President Andrew Alford said Kimmel’s remarks were “offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse.”
Kimmel, who has hosted the late-night program since 2003, addressed Kirk’s assassination in monologues on Monday and Tuesday, accusing conservatives of politicizing the killing. At one point, he suggested that Tyler Robinson, the alleged assailant, could have been a pro-Trump Republican. Federal authorities later stated Robinson had shifted toward left-leaning political views and targeted Kirk over his opposition to LGBTQ rights.
Political Fallout
The suspension drew immediate praise from President Donald Trump, who congratulated ABC on Truth Social, saying the network “finally had the courage to do what had to be done.” Yet another intensely strong condemnation came from FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who called them "truly sick." Carr warned that if ABC and Walt Disney Co. did not move on this, consequences would ensue, saying that "We can do this the easy way or the hard way."
Nick Sortor, an investigative reporter and podcast host, posted on X, " Leftists are MELTING DOWN over Disney/ ABC pulling Jimmy Kimmel, saying it's a 'violation of free speech'... But the were RADIO SILENT when Disney FIRED @ginacarano for speaking out against COVID mandates. They can ALL shut the hell up."
No reason for show cancellation has been specified, nor have either Kimmel himself or a publicist on his behalf made any statement. However, he is under contract to ABC until May 2026.
Industry and Regulatory Environment
The suspension occurs at a delicate juncture for both Disney and Nexstar, which have business outstanding before the FCC. Disney is seeking approval for ESPN’s acquisition of the NFL Network, while Nexstar is awaiting clearance for its $6.2 billion purchase of Tegna. Media analysts noted that reinstating Kimmel could risk further scrutiny from regulators and the administration.
The controversy also follows CBS’s announcement that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will end next year, a move some critics suspect was influenced by political pressure despite CBS citing financial reasons. Trump previously celebrated Colbert’s departure, and in recent months, the FCC has approved deals involving CBS parent company Paramount following its decision.
Free Speech Concerns
Not all regulators supported ABC’s decision. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez criticized what she described as the administration’s efforts to silence critics, while Ari Cohn, lead counsel at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, warned that “another media outlet withered under government pressure,” undermining freedom of expression.
Outside Kimmel’s Hollywood studio on Wednesday, audience members were informed at the last minute that the taping had been canceled. “They didn’t tell us what had happened.
They simply told them that the program was cancelled," said tourist Tommy Williams of Florida.
Wednesday evening, it was still not clear when, or if, Kimmel's program would resume on the air.