Famous U.S. Talk Show Mentions Charlie Kirk Assassination...Network Announces Indefinite Suspension

ABC Suspends 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Indefinitely
Backlash Follows Political Remarks on Charlie Kirk Assassination

ABC, the American television network, has decided to indefinitely suspend its flagship late-night talk show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" The decision comes after host Jimmy Kimmel sparked controversy with remarks related to the Charlie Kirk assassination case.

Jimmy Kimmel, host of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" which has been indefinitely suspended. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

According to reports from foreign media outlets such as AP and AFP on September 17 (local time), a spokesperson for ABC, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, stated, "Jimmy Kimmel Live will be replaced by other programming for the time being." This announcement came shortly after Nexstar Media Group, a regional broadcaster, declared that it would indefinitely suspend the show from its ABC-affiliated networks.

On the September 15 broadcast, Kimmel said, "The MAGA movement is trying to define the child who killed Kirk as 'someone else,' not one of their own, to gain political advantage. We have hit another new low." He went on to mock a video of President Donald Trump delivering a eulogy at the White House, saying, "It looks like a four-year-old mourning the loss of a goldfish."

Immediately following these remarks, Brendan Carr, a commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), called on local broadcasters to suspend the program. He stated, "This is a very serious matter for Disney. Disney needs to change," and added, "It is time to say that this kind of garbage content is not needed in our communities."

Right after ABC's announcement of the suspension, chaos erupted in front of the Hollywood Theater in Los Angeles, where Kimmel's show is filmed. Audience members waiting for the taping were notified that "the show has been canceled" just before they were about to enter. One audience member told AP, "The show was suspended just as we were about to go in," adding, "We weren't even told the reason."

Kimmel has previously been a consistent critic of President Trump and his various policies. U.S. media interpreted Commissioner Carr's threats as likely reflecting President Trump's intentions. Previously, CBS's late-night talk show "The Late Show" was canceled despite high ratings after host Stephen Colbert repeatedly made jokes that offended President Trump.

President Trump and the Republican Party are reportedly stepping up efforts to control public opinion surrounding the Kirk assassination. Vice President Vance recently urged citizens to report anyone mocking Kirk's assassination, and the FCC has launched investigations into media outlets critical of the government.

U.S. media have pointed out that ABC's decision is not simply a matter of programming, but is intertwined with government pressure on media and broadcasters, raising concerns that the issue could escalate into a broader debate over freedom of expression.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.