ABC Suspends Jimmy Kimmel Indefinitely Following On-Air Remarks

ABC has suspended late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. The network pulled his show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, from its schedule. This decision followed controversial comments made on his Monday night broadcast.

Senior executives at ABC and Disney held emergency meetings. They feared potential retaliation from the Trump administration. According to sources at Rolling Stone, the suspension was a direct response to these concerns.

FCC Chairman and Political Pressure Intensifies Situation

Brendan Carr, Trump’s FCC chairman, urged broadcasters to stop airing the show. He made the statements during a conservative podcast on Wednesday. Carr suggested affiliates could face fines for “news distortion.”

President Donald Trump celebrated the news on Truth Social. He called the suspension “Great News for America.” Trump also criticized Kimmel’s talent and ratings in his post.

Kimmel’s Monologue Sparks Immediate Backlash

Kimmel’s monologue addressed the recent killing of Charlie Kirk. He criticized the MAGA movement’s response to the event. Kimmel also mocked President Trump’s public grieving.

He described Trump’s actions as childish. Kimmel compared the President’s mourning to “a four-year-old mourn[ing] a goldfish.” These remarks quickly drew intense criticism from conservative figures.

Media company Nexstar announced it would preempt the show. It stated strong objection to Kimmel’s comments about the killing. Nexstar will replace the show with other programming for the foreseeable future.

The indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel marks a significant moment in media and politics. It highlights the intense pressures networks face regarding political commentary. This decision shows the powerful impact of external political forces on entertainment programming.

Thought you’d like to know

Why was Jimmy Kimmel suspended?

ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel following his on-air comments about Charlie Kirk’s death. The network feared potential retaliation from political figures. This decision was reportedly made under significant external pressure.

What did Jimmy Kimmel say on his show?

Kimmel criticized the MAGA movement’s response to Kirk’s killing. He also mocked former President Trump’s reaction to the assassination. His comments drew immediate backlash from conservative media.

How did President Trump respond to the suspension?

Donald Trump celebrated the news on his Truth Social platform. He called it “Great News for America” and criticized Kimmel’s ratings. Trump also encouraged NBC to take similar action against other hosts.

Which media company preempted Kimmel’s show?

Nexstar Media Group announced it would preempt “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”. The company stated strong objection to the host’s recent comments. It will replace the show with other programming indefinitely.

Was the FCC involved in the suspension?

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr urged broadcasters to stop airing Kimmel’s show. He suggested affiliates could face regulatory consequences. However, the FCC did not issue any formal directive to ABC.

How have ABC affiliates responded?

Some major affiliate groups have preempted the show. They are replacing it with alternative programming. This response reflects concerns about content and potential regulatory issues.

Sources:
Rolling Stone, ABC News, Associated Press, Reuters