Charlie Kirk Controversy Ends Jimmy Kimmel's ABC Run

In a stunning turn of events, ABC and its parent company Disney have pulled the plug on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" following intense backlash over the host's controversial remarks about the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

Breitbart reported that the decision, announced on Wednesday, came amid resurfaced criticism from Kirk, political pressure from figures like President Donald Trump, and widespread debate over free speech in late-night television.

The controversy began on Monday when Kimmel, during his monologue, made a jest implying that Kirk’s assassin could be linked to a "MAGA group" while also ridiculing Trump’s order to lower flags in Kirk’s honor.

Early Sparks of a Heated Dispute

This comment quickly drew ire, with social media users resurfacing a 2017 tweet from Kirk stating that Kimmel "lacked humor."

The backlash intensified as authorities identified 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the suspect in Kirk’s killing, with Robinson’s family revealing his disdain for Kirk and left-leaning political views.

Robinson’s transgender partner, described by relatives as harboring strong animosity toward conservatives and Christians, was also mentioned in a message left by Robinson admitting to the shooting, a detail confirmed by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox.

Political Figures Weigh In on Tragedy

President Trump seized the moment, posting on Truth Social to celebrate ABC’s decision with sharp criticism of Kimmel’s talent and viewership numbers.

He wrote, "Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED," while also taking aim at other late-night hosts on competing networks.

Trump’s long-standing disdain for late-night television was evident, as he had previously predicted Kimmel’s downfall alongside other hosts like Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon, dubbing it the "untalented sweepstakes."

Industry and Government Reactions Clash

ABC, Disney, and Nexstar Media Group jointly declared that the show would be sidelined indefinitely, with Nexstar President Andrew Alford calling Kimmel’s remarks "offensive and insensitive" during a tense national moment.

Nexstar further justified the move as being in the "public interest," emphasizing a need for calm until tempers cooled.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr also condemned Kimmel’s words as "truly sick," hinting at potential repercussions for ABC, including the suspension of their broadcast license.

Free Speech Debate Ignites Nationwide

On the other side, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the suspension, warning that it could steer the nation toward "autocracy" if driven by governmental influence.

Schumer also suggested that legal challenges over free speech violations might follow, while CNN’s Brian Stelter lamented that curbing comedians’ expression would make America "less free."

Meanwhile, the broader late-night landscape faced scrutiny, as CBS had recently axed "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" over significant financial losses, though Colbert himself blamed a large settlement with Trump as a factor in the decision.