ABC has suspended Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show indefinitely after the comedian faced government pressure over remarks about the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The decision, announced by ABC on Wednesday night, comes amid a broader Trump administration campaign against critical voices in media, academia, and business.
During his Monday monologue, Kimmel accused Donald Trump's political movement of exploiting Kirk's death, saying the 'Maga gang' was trying to score political points. The suspect, Tyler Robinson, has been charged with aggravated murder and could face the death penalty. Kimmel also criticised Vice-President JD Vance for blaming the left without evidence.
Trump celebrated the suspension on Truth Social, calling it 'Great News for America' and urging further cancellations. The president has also targeted other late-night hosts, including Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers. The Federal Communications Commission chair, Brendan Carr, had urged local broadcasters to stop airing the show, warning of fines or licence revocation.
Nexstar Media and Sinclair Broadcast Group, major station owners, pre-empted the show or planned tributes to Kirk. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression condemned the suspension as an example of media 'withering under government pressure', warning that institutions must resist such pressure to preserve free speech.
