UPDATE: Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel was seen looking downcast as he exited his Hollywood studio late Wednesday night, following ABC’s shocking announcement of an indefinite suspension of his show. The decision comes after Kimmel’s controversial comments about the passing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which sparked outrage and led to affiliate stations halting the airing of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
During a monologue on Monday, Kimmel insinuated that Tyler Robinson, the alleged murderer of Kirk, was potentially linked to the pro-Trump MAGA movement. Kimmel stated, “The MAGA Gang (is) desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.”
As news of the suspension broke, Kimmel was captured on video leaving the studio, wearing a black hat, plaid shirt, and backpack, keeping his head down as he got into a waiting vehicle. Eyewitness Tommy Williams from Jacksonville, Florida, expressed his disbelief outside the venue, stating, “They just said that the show was canceled.”
The suspension follows a statement from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who criticized Kimmel and ABC for spreading misinformation. Carr warned that the FCC had a strong case against Kimmel, saying, “We can do this the easy way or the hard way.” This controversy poses significant implications for both Disney and Nexstar Media Group, who are navigating pending business matters with the FCC.
President Donald Trump took to social media to celebrate Kimmel’s suspension, hinting that other late-night hosts like Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon could be next. Trump wrote on Truth Social, “Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED.”
Kimmel’s suspension marks a significant moment in late-night television, where political satire often crosses paths with serious societal issues. This isn’t the first time Kimmel has found himself in hot water; he has previously faced backlash for his comedic takes on political figures.
As the situation develops, viewers and fans are left wondering what this means for Kimmel’s career and the future of late-night programming. With the political climate intensifying, all eyes will be on ABC and Kimmel as they navigate the fallout from this incident.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
