Sinclair Broadcasting, the heavyweight of ABC affiliates, has yanked "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" off its airwaves over the host’s tasteless comments about the tragic assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The New York Post reported that Sinclair, based in Baltimore and operating 178 stations across 81 markets, made the bold move after Kimmel’s Monday monologue sparked outrage, with the network also facing pressure from other broadcasters and political figures to hold the comedian accountable.
The controversy erupted when Kimmel, during his show, aimed at conservatives, accusing them of using Kirk’s killing for political leverage while mocking what he called the “MAGA gang.”
His remarks, aired just days after Kirk’s assassination in Utah by a suspected 22-year-old shooter named Tyler Robinson, were labeled “inappropriate and deeply insensitive” by Sinclair. Well, Jimmy, if the joke’s on conservatives, it seems the punchline’s on you.
Sinclair didn’t just sit idly by—they’ve demanded Kimmel issue a direct apology to Kirk’s family and make a “meaningful personal donation” to both the family and Turning Point USA, the political group Kirk founded. Until that happens, don’t expect to see Kimmel’s smirking face on any of Sinclair’s roughly 40 ABC stations.
Not stopping there, Sinclair also announced it will replace Kimmel’s Friday timeslot with a special program honoring Kirk’s memory, broadcasting it across all their stations and even offering it to other ABC affiliates.
It’s a rare move, showing just how seriously they’re taking this breach of decorum. Perhaps Hollywood could use a reminder that free speech doesn’t mean consequence-free speech.
ABC, under the Disney umbrella, wasn’t far behind in reacting, announcing an indefinite suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" just two days after Kimmel’s monologue. The decision came hours after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, appointed by President Trump, publicly urged affiliates to preempt the program for its lack of respect.
Carr didn’t mince words, telling conservative podcaster Benny Johnson, “Change needs to happen on Kimmel.” That’s a polite way of saying it’s time to clean house when a late-night host thinks tragedy is a laughing matter.
Nexstar Media Group, the nation’s largest local TV operator with 265 stations, also dropped Kimmel’s show, aligning with Sinclair’s stance against what many see as a progressive agenda run amok on network TV.
Meanwhile, Disney faces its own pressures, seeking Trump administration approval for a major deal with the NFL involving ESPN, which only adds layers to this corporate-political drama.
Nexstar, for its part, is navigating a $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, with regulatory hurdles ahead that could hinge on FCC and administration decisions. It’s a tangled web, but one thing is clear: local broadcasters are flexing their muscle against national networks pushing content that clashes with community values.
Back in Hollywood, the suspension of Kimmel’s show drew mixed reactions, with protesters and fans gathering outside the El Capitan Theatre to voice their opinions. Some decried it as censorship, while others hailed it as a long-overdue stand for accountability.
Kimmel himself, spotted leaving the studio, stayed silent on the matter, though sources claim the 57-year-old host is furious and considering ways to cut ties with ABC.
His Los Angeles staff, blindsided by the sudden halt, were left scrambling just hours before a scheduled taping. If silence is golden, Jimmy’s got a treasure chest—but at what cost?
Hollywood unions like SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America warned that suspending Kimmel sets a dangerous precedent for creative freedom. They argue it’s a chilling effect on comedians, but one might counter that there’s a line between humor and heartlessness, especially when a family is grieving.
On the political front, President Trump took to social media to cheer the suspension, calling it “Great News for America” while taking a jab at Kimmel’s talent and ratings. It’s no secret where the administration stands, but even a broken clock is right twice a day—mocking a tragedy isn’t comedy, it’s callous.
US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, however, pushed back, telling reporters, “You don’t suspend a comedian because politicians don’t like his jokes.”
Fair point, Senator, but when the joke targets a fresh wound like Kirk’s assassination, it’s less about politics and more about basic human decency.
