Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has been suspended indefinitely after the host made controversial remarks about the death of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. The suspension has led to speculation that the show may be cancelled, especially with Kimmel's multi-million dollar contract set to expire in 2026.
ABC has not made a permanent decision about the show's future, but reports suggest the network may not renew Kimmel's contract, or could offer a new deal excluding Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Kimmel is reportedly wanted to continue hosting Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.
The controversy began when Kimmel included Kirk's death in his opening monologue, accusing the 'MAGA gang' of using it to score political points. The remarks drew backlash from figures including Ben Stiller, Jean Smart and Wanda Sykes, who criticised the suspension as an attack on free speech.
Brendan Carr, the Trump-appointed head of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), called for the show to be pulled, accusing Kimmel of misleading the American people. Attorney General Pam Bondi has also stated that the administration will target those who post 'hate speech'.
The suspension came abruptly, with staff reportedly minutes from going on air when the show was shut down. This follows the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS, and President Trump has called for NBC to axe Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers.
Anna Gomez, the lone Democrat on the FCC, said the suspension was not about hate speech but about suppressing lawful expression that challenges those in power.
