Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been pulled from schedules indefinitely after the host made controversial remarks about the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Nexstar Media, one of the largest US TV station owners, announced it would pre-empt broadcasts of the show on its ABC-affiliated stations.
In a statement, Nexstar said it 'strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk' and would replace the show with other programming. The decision follows Kimmel's opening monologue on Monday, in which he suggested the 'MAGA gang' were trying to score political points over Kirk's murder.
Kirk was shot dead on 10 September during a debate at Utah Valley University. His alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, has been charged with aggravated murder and could face the death penalty. Kimmel also mocked President Trump's response to a question about Kirk's death, during which Trump discussed White House ballroom construction.
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr had called on Disney, the parent company of ABC, to take Kimmel off air. After the suspension, Carr thanked Nexstar 'for doing the right thing'. President Trump celebrated on Truth Social, calling the show 'CANCELLED' and urging NBC to do the same with other hosts.
The decision has divided Americans, with conservatives viewing Kirk as a martyr and calling for critics to be silenced. It also puts pressure on media amid a White House and FCC crackdown on dissent, including legal action against ABC News and CBS News over other remarks.
