Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show has been suspended indefinitely after the US government pressured broadcasters to crack down on the comedian, who accused Donald Trump’s political movement of exploiting the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. ABC, owned by Disney, announced on Wednesday night that it would remove Jimmy Kimmel Live! from its schedule for the foreseeable future.
The move has been criticised as part of a sweeping government attack on free speech in media, academia and business, intensifying after the Trump administration targeted anyone deemed not to have properly mourned Kirk. Kimmel is the second prominent US comedian to lose his position in months; CBS scrapped Stephen Colbert’s show in July.
President Trump celebrated the suspension on Truth Social, calling it “great news for America” and urging further cancellations. He also said he wants NBC’s Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers removed. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression warned that the suspension shows another media outlet has “withered under government pressure”.
ABC’s decision came minutes after Nexstar Media, a major TV station owner, said it would pre-empt Kimmel’s show. Sinclair Broadcast Group announced it would run a tribute to Kirk during Kimmel’s timeslot. FCC chair Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, had urged local broadcasters to stop airing the show, warning of fines or licence revocation.
In his Monday monologue, Kimmel said the MAGA movement was trying to “score political points” from Kirk’s murder. The suspect, Tyler Robinson, has been charged with aggravated murder and could face the death penalty. On Tuesday, Kimmel accused Vice-President JD Vance of blaming the left without evidence.
