ABC News ‘indefinitely’ suspends ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ following controversial remarks the late-night host made about the assassination of founder of TPUSA Charlie Kirk.
The network confirmed the decision in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday, saying the program would be “pre-empted indefinitely.” No timeline has been provided for when, or if, Kimmel will return to air.
The suspension follows a monologue Kimmel delivered on Monday that sparked outrage. Discussing Kirk’s murder, Kimmel said, according to Deadline, “We had some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and with everything they can to score political points from it.”
The remarks came just days after Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and one of the most recognizable young figures in conservative politics, was fatally shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University. His death has drawn bipartisan condemnation and renewed scrutiny of political violence in America.
Critics blasted Kimmel for mocking conservatives in the immediate aftermath of a politically motivated killing. Social media erupted with calls for ABC to take action, with many arguing the late-night host crossed a line by politicizing Kirk’s death instead of treating it with the seriousness it deserved.