Kimmel’s comments prompt major fallout — what did Jimmy Kimmel say about Charlie Kirk?
ABC has suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely after host Jimmy Kimmel made sharp comments about the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The network said the late-night show “will be preempted indefinitely.” Removing it from its schedule for the foreseeable future. Kimmel is yet to issue a public statement on the situation.
Kimmel’s remarks — delivered in his monologue less than a week after Kirk was shot dead while on a speaking tour in Utah — accused Republicans of “doing everything they can to score political points” from the killing. He also said that people in “MAGA-land” were “trying to characterize this kid who killed Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.” The suspect, Tyler Robinson, has been charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm and witness tampering. And could face the death penalty.
Nexstar preempts Kimmel after accusing him of being “offensive and insensitive”
One of the largest US station groups, Nexstar Media, announced it would preempt any episodes of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on its ABC-affiliated stations. Nexstar said it “strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk” and would replace the show in its markets “for the foreseeable future.”
Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar’s broadcasting division, called the comments “offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse.” Alford said continuing to air Kimmel’s program was “not in the public interest” and framed Nexstar’s move as an effort “to let cooler heads prevail” and promote respectful dialogue.
FCC chair urged broadcasters to take action
The decision by Nexstar came after Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr publicly urged local broadcasters to stop airing Kimmel, warning they risked “fines or licensed revocation from the FCC.” Carr made the comments on a podcast. And later thanked Nexstar on social media “for doing the right thing,” arguing local broadcasters have an obligation to serve their communities.
What Jimmy Kimmel said in his monologues
Kimmel’s initial line in Monday’s monologue — later referenced again on Tuesday — suggested the “MAGA gang” was trying to use Kirk’s killing for political gain. On Tuesday he said: “Many in Maga-land are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk”
And accused Vice-President JD Vance of blaming the left without evidence. Kimmel mocked Vance’s claim that “most of the lunatics in American politics today are proud members of the far left,” calling it “complete bullshit.” And cited a study — since removed from the Department of Justice website. That linked far-right groups to domestic terrorism and extremist violence.
Wider reactions and fallout
- Nexstar moved quickly to preempt the show. ABC followed by suspending Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely.
- Brendan Carr amplified pressure on local broadcasters by citing potential regulatory consequences.
- Critics argued Kimmel’s comments were “offensive and insensitive.” While some defenders pointed to concerns about who benefits politically after such a tragedy.
- Kimmel has not released a public statement about the controversy.
Related controversy reaches state level
The shockwaves extended beyond broadcast networks. Texas Governor Greg Abbott publicly condemned a teacher who appeared to welcome Kirk’s death as “karma,” saying “assassination is not karma. It’s murder.” Abbott said educators who make such remarks “have no place in our schools,” noting the incident will be added to complaints under review by the Texas Education Agency.
Why the suspension matters
ABC’s decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! Coupled with Nexstar’s preemptions and the FCC chair’s comments. Represents an unusual convergence of broadcaster, regulator and corporate pressure in response to a host’s on-air remarks. Network executives said they would air alternative programming in the slot while the suspension is in effect.
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