Jimmy Kimmel Live suspended indefinitely after remarks backlash
- September 18, 2025
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ABC has suspended the long-running late-night program *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* indefinitely after comments made by host Jimmy Kimmel regarding the murder of Charlie Kirk drew widespread criticism. The decision has triggered reactions from media groups, regulators, and political figures, placing the network at the center of a national debate over broadcast standards and accountability.
The network confirmed that *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* would no longer air following the controversy surrounding Kimmel’s remarks. The suspension marks a significant move for ABC, which has relied on the program as a staple of its late-night lineup for years. The indefinite nature of the decision leaves uncertainty about whether or when the show might return to air.
Nexstar Media Group, which operates numerous ABC affiliates across the United States, announced that it would stop broadcasting the program in response to Kimmel’s comments. The company described his remarks as offensive and insensitive, emphasizing that its affiliates must uphold standards that reflect community expectations. This action effectively removed the show from many local markets even before ABC’s broader suspension was confirmed.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair weighed in on the matter, condemning Kimmel’s statements and suggesting that potential regulatory action could be considered against ABC affiliates. While no formal penalties have been announced, the comments highlight how seriously federal regulators are treating this incident. The FCC’s involvement underscores broader concerns about broadcast responsibility and compliance with decency standards on public airwaves.
Adding to the fallout, the White House publicly welcomed ABC’s decision to suspend *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*. Officials praised the move as an appropriate response to what they viewed as unacceptable commentary on a sensitive subject. The endorsement from national leadership further amplified attention on both Kimmel and ABC, ensuring that the controversy reached beyond entertainment circles into political discourse.
The suspension raises questions about how networks balance creative freedom with accountability in live or unscripted formats. Late-night television has long been a space where hosts push boundaries with humor and commentary, but this incident illustrates how quickly public reaction can shift when remarks are perceived as crossing a line. For ABC, removing one of its most recognizable programs creates both scheduling challenges and reputational considerations moving forward. In conclusion, ABC’s indefinite suspension of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* following controversial remarks about Charlie Kirk’s murder has set off a chain reaction involving affiliate broadcasters, federal regulators, and political leaders. With Nexstar pulling broadcasts, FCC scrutiny looming, and White House approval reinforcing the decision, the future of one of late-night television’s most prominent shows remains uncertain. The episode highlights ongoing tensions between free expression in entertainment and accountability to audiences in an era of heightened sensitivity to public discourse.