Media365
Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show has been pulled from ABC’s schedule after the host came under fire for remarks about the murder of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The network confirmed the decision on Wednesday, saying the programme would be “pre-empted indefinitely.” The move followed an announcement from Nexstar Media Group, which oversees dozens of ABC affiliates, that it would stop broadcasting the show in response to Kimmel’s comments.“Mr. Kimmel’s comments about the death of Mr. Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located,” said Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar’s broadcasting division. ABC confirmed the move, saying the show would be “pre-empted indefinitely.”Kirk, a prominent ally of President Donald Trump, was shot dead last week during a speaking event at Utah Valley University. Authorities said 22-year-old Tyler Robinson fired a rifle from a rooftop, killing Kirk with a single shot to the neck. Robinson has been charged with murder.During his Monday night monologue, Kimmel said: “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.” The comments sparked immediate backlash, with critics accusing Kimmel of insensitivity.Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr also condemned the remarks, calling them “some of the sickest conduct possible” in an interview with conservative podcaster Benny Johnson. He suggested the FCC could consider taking action against ABC affiliates, warning that broadcasters “have a license granted by us at the FCC, and that comes with it an obligation to operate in the public interest.” Carr said a suspension or even firing of Kimmel could be necessary, adding that “a public apology would be a very reasonable, minimal step.”The White House also weighed in, with its social media account celebrating the suspension, saying: “They’re doing their viewers a favour. Jimmy is a sick freak.” Kimmel has long been a vocal critic of Trump, often using his late-night platform to target the former president and his supporters.Disney and ABC have not provided further details about the suspension, and Kimmel’s spokesperson has not responded to requests for comment. The move mirrors the recent cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s show on CBS, which the network insisted was for financial reasons, though critics linked it to his repeated attacks on Trump.
