Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been pulled โfor the foreseeable futureโ from late-night slots on several ABC affiliates. ABC confirmed the move Wednesday, with Nexstar Media Groupโoperator of many affiliatesโsaying the stations would substitute alternative programming instead of airing Kimmelโs show.
Remarks That Sparked Backlash
The decision follows Kimmelโs Monday monologue about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The host mocked political responses, questioned lowering flags in Kirkโs honor, and took aim at Donald Trump. His comments triggered a swift backlash, with FCC Chair Brendan Carr warning affiliates they risked fines or license scrutiny over what he called โa pattern of news distortion.โ
Trumpโs Response and Escalation
Trump, on a state visit to the UK, quickly celebrated the preemptions. On Truth Social, he labeled Kimmel โratings challengedโ and โuntalented,โ urging networks to also target other late-night hosts. Trumpโs victory-lap tone added heat to his long-running feud with Kimmel and underscored the political weight behind the move.
What It Means Going Forward
Kimmel had reportedly planned to address the controversy on Wednesdayโs show, but the preemptions cut him off. With no timeline for reinstatement, affiliates and ABC now face a difficult balancing act between regulatory pressure, corporate interests, and audience expectations. The episode has become a flashpoint in the larger debate over free speech, political sensitivity, and the role of late-night comedy in todayโs polarized media climate.
