**Jimmy Kimmel Sparks Controversy and Faces Suspension Over Comments on Charlie Kirk Killing**
Jimmy Kimmel, a prominent figure in American late-night television, has ignited further division across the nation following his remarks about the killing of Charlie Kirk.
In his Monday monologue, Kimmel stated:
*”We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”*
He went on to criticize former US President Donald Trump’s reaction to Kirk’s death, saying Trump was grieving “like a four-year-old who lost their goldfish.”
The comments aired nationally across the United States. By Wednesday evening, before that day’s episode was broadcast, Kimmel’s show was pulled off air indefinitely.
First, Nexstar Media Group, an affiliate network that owns stations airing *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*, removed the show from their channels. Shortly after, ABC, owned by Disney, followed suit.
Andrew Alford, President of Nexstar’s broadcasting division, issued a statement:
*”Mr. Kimmel’s comments about the death of Mr. Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located.”*
Kimmel, who labeled Kirk’s alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, a “MAGA guy,” has not made any public statements since his show was abruptly removed, casting uncertainty on his future as a TV personality.
—
### Reactions from Comedians and Hollywood Figures
As news of Kimmel’s suspension broke, many comedians and Hollywood celebrities—many of them Democrats or frequent guests on Kimmel’s show—voiced their opinions.
Ben Stiller reacted on social media, simply stating:
*”This isn’t right,”* while sharing the announcement about Kimmel’s removal.
Comedian Wanda Sykes, who was scheduled to appear on Kimmel’s show on Wednesday, took to Instagram and accused the Trump administration of ending free speech:
*”I’m in a full face of make-up because I was supposed to go over and have a chat with my friend Jimmy Kimmel on his show. But as you have heard, right now, the *Jimmy Kimmel Show* has been pulled indefinitely, abruptly, because of complaints from the Trump administration,”* she said.
Sykes continued:
*”So let’s see. He didn’t solve the Ukraine war, or Gaza within his first week, but he did end freedom of speech within his first year. For those of you who pray, now is the time to do it. Love you Jimmy.”*
Kathy Griffin, who previously faced cancel culture backlash after holding a fake Donald Trump head, also weighed in, doubting the presence of free speech.
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) released a formal statement in support of Kimmel, condemning anyone who uses their power to silence writers’ voices:
*”The right to speak our minds and to disagree with each other—to disturb, even—is at the very heart of what it means to be a free people. It is not to be denied. Not by violence, not by the abuse of governmental power, nor by acts of corporate cowardice,”* the statement read.
The WGA added:
*”As a Guild, we stand united in opposition to anyone who uses their power and influence to silence the voices of writers or anyone who speaks in dissent. If free speech applied only to ideas we like, we needn’t have bothered to write it into the Constitution. What we have signed on to—painful as it may be at times—is the freeing agreement to disagree. Shame on those in government who forget this founding truth. As for our employers, our words have made you rich. Silencing us impoverishes the whole world. The WGA stands with Jimmy Kimmel and his writers.”*
—
### Republican and MAGA Supporters React
On the other side, Republican and MAGA supporters celebrated the news of Kimmel’s suspension.
Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social:
*”Great news for America: The ratings challenged *Jimmy Kimmel Show* is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that’s possible. That leaves Jimmy (Fallon) and Seth (Meyers), two total losers. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!!”*
Commentator Sean Hannity and comedian Terrence K. Williams, who supports Trump, also stated that Kimmel would not be missed.
—
### Official Response from ABC and Regulatory Pressure
When ABC confirmed that *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* had been pulled from the network’s schedule, they offered a brief statement:
*”Jimmy Kimmel Live! will be preempted indefinitely,”* an ABC spokesperson said.
This decision by Disney came following threats of regulatory action. Brendan Carr, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair appointed by Trump, criticized Kimmel’s remarks on a right-wing podcast, calling them a deliberate effort to deceive the American people.
Carr warned:
*”Frankly, when you see stuff like this—I mean, we can do this the easy way or the hard way. These companies can find ways to change conduct and take action, frankly, on Kimmel, or there’s going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.”*
—
Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension comes amid heated political divisions and raises a renewed debate on free speech, media responsibility, and the climate of political discourse in the United States. The future of his late-night show—and his career—remains uncertain.
https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/world/jimmy-kimmel-live-reaction-after-comedian-pulled-off-air-over-charlie-kirk-remarks-c-20062552