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. The move by ABC, owned by Disney, has been criticised as part of a sweeping attack on free speech in media, academia and business.
An ABC spokesperson announced on Wednesday night that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would be pre-empted indefinitely, meaning another show will air in its slot. The decision came shortly after Nexstar Media, one of the largest US TV station owners, said it strongly objected to Kimmel's comments and would pre-empt the show on its stations for the foreseeable future. Sinclair Broadcast Group also announced it would run a tribute to Kirk during Kimmel's timeslot on Friday.
President Trump celebrated the suspension on his Truth Social platform, calling it 'Great News for America' and urging other shows to be cancelled. He has also called for the removal of late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, who work for competitor NBC. Brendan Carr, the chair of the US media regulator, the Federal Communications Commission, had urged local broadcasters to stop airing the show, warning of potential fines or license revocation. Carr thanked Nexstar for 'doing the right thing' in a social media statement.
The US-based free speech group Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression said the suspension was an example of another media outlet that had 'withered under government pressure', adding that the administration would continue to extort and exact retribution on broadcasters and critics. The group warned that the country cannot have late-night hosts serving at the pleasure of the president.
Kimmel's comments came after Kirk was shot dead while on a speaking tour in Utah. During his Monday monologue, Kimmel accused the 'Maga gang' of trying to characterise the suspect as anything other than one of them and scoring political points. The suspect, Tyler Robinson, has been charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm and witness tampering, and could face the death penalty. Kimmel's Tuesday monologue further criticised Vice-President JD Vance for blaming the left without evidence.
