ABC has suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely after the US government pressured broadcasters over the comedian's remarks about Charlie Kirk, a conservative commentator killed in Utah. The Disney-owned network announced the move on Wednesday, citing a need to pre-empt the show for the foreseeable future.
The suspension has been criticised as part of a broader attack on free speech by the Trump administration, which has targeted media, academia and businesses deemed insufficiently mournful of Kirk. President Donald Trump celebrated the decision on Truth Social, calling it 'great news for America' and urging further cancellations of shows hosted by Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers.
Before ABC's announcement, Nexstar Media, a major TV station owner, said it would pre-empt the show on its stations. Brendan Carr, chair of the Federal Communications Commission, had urged local broadcasters to drop the programme, warning of potential fines or licence revocation. Carr thanked Nexstar for 'doing the right thing' in a social media statement.
Kimmel had accused Donald Trump's political movement of exploiting Kirk's murder, saying in his Monday monologue that 'Maga gang' members were trying to characterise the suspect as anything other than one of them. The suspect, Tyler Robinson, faces charges including aggravated murder and could face the death penalty.
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression said the suspension showed another media outlet 'withered under government pressure', warning that 'we cannot be a country where late night talk show hosts serve at the pleasure of the president'.
