ABC has suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! “indefinitely” following remarks by the comedian about the killing of Charlie Kirk. The decision was welcomed by US President Donald Trump, who also attacked NBC hosts Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, calling them “losers.”
Kimmel had said the “MAGA gang” was trying to persuade the public that the suspected killer’s views were different from their own, while seeking to “politically exploit the murder.” He also accused Vice President JD Vance of blaming the left for Kirk’s death without evidence.
Vance had claimed that “while our side certainly has its crazies, it’s a statistical fact that most of the crazies in American politics today are proud members of the far left.” Kimmel responded: “By ‘statistical fact,’ he means ‘complete nonsense.’”
Following Kirk’s killing, several presenters and journalists—including some at the Washington Post—have also faced backlash or dismissals over comments highlighting the victim’s far-right views.
He cited a study showing that far-right groups were the largest source of domestic terrorism and extremist violence in the United States. The Justice Department has since removed the study from its website.
Before ABC pulled the show, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr urged local affiliates to stop airing it, warning they risked fines or even license revocation.
The controversy comes amid broader backlash against journalists and presenters who have highlighted Kirk’s far-right affiliations.
