After 22 years on air, Jimmy Kimmel Live! was abruptly suspended following controversial remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death. The fallout has sparked fierce debate over free speech, media bias, and political influence, with even former President Donald Trump weighing in.
What Happened to Jimmy Kimmel Live?
On September 15, 2025, Jimmy Kimmel used part of his opening monologue to address the shocking assassination of Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot during a student event at Utah Valley University days earlier.
Kirk, 31, was pronounced dead shortly after the attack. The alleged shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, has since been arrested and charged. Kirk leaves behind his wife, Erika, and two young children.
Kimmel’s Controversial Remarks
During his show, Kimmel criticized what he called the “MAGA gang” for politicizing the tragedy and trying to distance themselves from the shooter.
“We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it,” Kimmel said.
Kimmel then turned his focus to Trump’s response. After showing a clip of Trump being asked about Kirk’s death—where the former president quickly pivoted to discussing White House ballroom construction—Kimmel joked:
- “Yes, he’s at the fourth stage of grief, construction.”
- “This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he called a friend. This is how a 4-year-old mourns a goldfish.”
ABC’s Decision to Suspend the Show
The remarks drew immediate backlash. ABC and its affiliates, including Nexstar and Sinclair, deemed the jokes “offensive and insensitive.” On September 16, ABC announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would be “pre-empted indefinitely.”
Nexstar president Andrew Alford said:
“Mr. Kimmel’s comments about the death of Mr. Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse… Continuing to give Mr. Kimmel a broadcast platform is simply not in the public interest.”
Trump Reacts to Kimmel’s Suspension
Donald Trump was quick to celebrate the decision on social media, writing:
“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.”
He added that NBC should also consider cancelling other late-night hosts like Seth Meyers.
Free Speech or Censorship?
The suspension ignited national debate. Critics—including the ACLU, Hollywood celebrities, and First Amendment advocates—called the move censorship and a “dark moment” for free speech in America.
Celebrities such as Meryl Streep, Robert De Niro, Jennifer Aniston, and Ben Stiller signed a letter supporting Kimmel, calling ABC’s decision a dangerous precedent. Protests also broke out in California, with demonstrators urging boycotts of Disney+, Hulu, and other Disney-owned platforms.
Disney and ABC Backtrack
After several days of internal discussions and mounting public pressure, Disney announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would return on September 23, 2025.
“We felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive,” Disney said in a statement. “However, after thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, we decided to resume the show.”
Despite his reinstatement, not all affiliates agreed. Sinclair Broadcasting announced it would continue replacing Kimmel’s program with local news until further discussions with ABC. Nexstar has yet to comment on whether it will reinstate the show.
What’s Next for Jimmy Kimmel?
Kimmel, who has hosted the late-night program since 2003 and has led four Oscars ceremonies, has not publicly commented on the suspension or the controversy.
His scheduled guest for the return episode is actor Glen Powell (Twisters, Hit Man), though much of the focus will likely be on Kimmel’s first monologue back—and how he addresses the storm that briefly took him off air.
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