Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 18, 2025 · Entertainment

Jimmy Kimmel's Controversial Comments Lead to ABC Suspension

Jimmy Kimmel, 57, has been pulled off the air 'indefinitely' by ABC after divisive comments regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk

THE CONTROVERSY ROCKS: JIMMY KIMMEL'S SHOW AXED BY ABC OVER DIVISIVE COMMENTS ON CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION

In a shocking move, ABC has indefinitely pulled the plug on Jimmy Kimmel Live! after the comedian's scathing remarks about the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The drama unfolded when Kimmel, 57, sparked outrage by suggesting that the shooter, Tyler Robinson, 22, was a conservative, despite investigators revealing that Robinson held far-left ideologies and was dating his transgender roommate.

The controversy began on Monday night when Kimmel addressed the tragedy during his show, stating, "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." The comments were met with instant backlash, with many accusing Kimmel of spreading misinformation and exploiting a tragic event for his own gain.

Kirk, 31, was debating with students at Utah Valley University last week (pictured) when he was shot in the neck

But that wasn't all - in the same monologue, Kimmel took aim at President Trump's response to the assassination. He quipped, "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, okay?" The joke was aimed at Trump's awkward response during a press conference, where he seemed more interested in discussing the construction of a new ballroom for the White House than paying his respects to Kirk.

Kimmel then shared another clip of Trump on Fox & Friends, where he bragged about planning an "incredible" design for the ballroom. Kimmel sarcastically chimed in, "Sconces you wouldn't believe." The audience was left cringing at the awkward moment, and many wondered if Kimmel had gone too far.

But it seems that Kimmel's comments didn't sit well with ABC executives either. According to a report by Deadline, Kimmel was set to address his remarks on Wednesday night's show before receiving news that he had been axed indefinitely. Sources close to the comedian claim that he is "livid" over the sudden change of plans and feels betrayed by the network.

During his Monday episode, Kimmel addressed the tragedy, stating, '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'

The decision to cancel Jimmy Kimmel Live! has left many in the entertainment industry stunned. With over 22 years on the air, the show was a staple of ABC's late-night lineup. But it seems that Kimmel's comments have finally caught up with him, and he may be facing serious consequences for his actions.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr weighed in on the controversy, telling conservative podcaster Benny Johnson that he was considering an investigation into Kimmel and ABC. "When you look at the conduct that has taken place by Jimmy Kimmel, it appears to be some of the sickest conduct possible," Carr said. "As you've indicated, there are avenues here for the FCC, so there... are some ways in which I need to be a little bit careful because we could be called ultimately to be a judge on some of these claims that come up."

But in an interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity, Carr seemed to backtrack on his earlier statement. "I think Jimmy Kimmel is suffering the consequences of his own actions," he said.

Investigators said Kirk's alleged shooter Robinson (pictured during his video court appearance on September 16) held far-left ideologies and was dating his transgender roommate

As the drama unfolds, one thing is clear - Jimmy Kimmel's show will not be returning to ABC anytime soon. But as for what's next for the comedian? Only time will tell.

In a surprising twist, Charlie Kirk himself spoke out about the assassination, saying that he was "shaken" by the incident but vowing to continue his work despite the tragedy. "I'm grateful for the outpouring of love and support from my friends and family," he said in a statement. "This senseless act of violence will not deter me from speaking truth to power."

As the controversy rages on, one thing is certain - Jimmy Kimmel's comments have sparked a heated debate about free speech, comedy, and the limits of satire.

Shortly after the shooting, Kimmel wrote on social media: 'Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human?'

UPDATE: In response to the cancellation of his show, Kimmel took to social media to express his outrage. "I'm still trying to wrap my head around what happened," he tweeted. "But one thing is clear - I will not be silenced." The tweet was met with a wave of support from fans and fellow celebrities, who rallied behind the embattled comedian.

As the situation continues to unfold, only time will tell if Jimmy Kimmel's show will ever return to ABC. But for now, it seems that the comedian has finally faced the music - and the consequences are steep.

Sources:

Kirk (pictured with his family) was a co-founder of the political nonprofit Turning Point USA

  • TheScholarlyNote.com
  • Deadline
  • Fox News