ABC has pulled late-night host Jimmy Kimmel off air indefinitely over comments he made regarding the shooting of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk.
Jimmy Kimmel Live will be pre-empted indefinitely, a spokesperson for the Disney-owned network said in a statement. Kimmel did not comment to the BBC as he emerged shortly afterwards from the television studio in Los Angeles.
Earlier this week, Kimmel remarked in his show's monologue that the Maga gang was attempting to gain political leverage from Kirk's death, which occurred on September 10. A 22-year-old suspect has since been charged with aggravated murder.
In his controversial monologue, Kimmel criticized the response to Kirk's murder, stating: 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. He ridiculed actions taken by flags flown at half-mast and mocked former President Trump's responses.
While Kimmel condemned the attack and offered condolences to Kirk's family earlier on Instagram, the comments made on his show sparked widespread criticism, including calls for disciplinary action from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who described Kimmel’s conduct as “the sickest conduct possible.”
In defense of Kimmel, the Writers Guild of America condemned the suspension, asserting that it infringes upon free speech. A source close to Kimmel indicated he has not been fired and that discussions about his return will follow.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions in American media regarding political discourse and the treatment of public figures, particularly within the evolving landscape of late-night television, where audience preferences are shifting towards streaming platforms.
As Kimmel's situation unfolds, some fans outside the studio voiced their support, lamenting what they perceive as censorship of speech and expression.
