Controversy Erupts as Jimmy Kimmel is Suspended Over Comments on Charlie Kirk Incident

Wed Oct 22 2025 01:47:48 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel faces suspension from ABC after remarks about the murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, igniting debates on free speech and media representation.

ABC has indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel from his late-night show following controversial comments regarding the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel criticized the political exploitation of Kirk's death and mocked public mourning responses, raising significant backlash. The suspension has spurred debates on censorship and the responsibilities of media personalities.

In a surprising move, ABC has decided to pull late-night host Jimmy Kimmel off air indefinitely due to contentious comments made about the murder of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. A network spokesperson confirmed that Jimmy Kimmel Live will be pre-empted indefinitely. As Kimmel exited the studio in Los Angeles shortly after the announcement, he chose not to comment on the situation.

During his show earlier that week, Kimmel asserted that the “Maga gang” was attempting to gain political leverage from Kirk's tragic death. He stated, 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. Furthermore, he criticized the reaction to Kirk’s death, stating, This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he calls a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish.

Kirk was shot on September 10, and a 22-year-old suspect named Tyler Robinson has since been charged with aggravated murder. While Kimmel took to Instagram to express condolences to Kirk's family, he faced significant backlash for his on-air comments.

Following Kimmel's suspension announcement, former President Donald Trump asserted it was great news for America, taking a jab at the ratings of Kimmel’s show while criticizing the reactions of other late-night hosts as well. Officials have noted that Kimmel's remarks were viewed as offensive and insensitive amidst a sensitive political climate, prompting reactions from organizations like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which decried Kimmel's conduct.

In the wake of these events, the Writers Guild of America condemned the network's decision, framing it as a violation of free speech rights. The organization stated, Shame on those in government who forget this founding truth. Meanwhile, fans gathered outside the studio expressing disappointment over Kimmel's suspension and advocating for freedom of expression.

As discussions surrounding media responsibility and the implications of censorship continue to unfold, Kimmel remains a focal point in a broader conversation about the intersection of comedy, politics, and free speech in American society.