LOS ANGELES – On Wednesday, ABC (owned by Disney) announced an indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! after Jimmy Kimmel made comments about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The channel’s decision triggered intense debate online, especially on X (formerly Twitter). People wanted to know exactly what Kimmel had said, why it caused such a reaction, and how it could change late-night TV as a whole. The controversy has also brought renewed attention to Kimmel’s progressive leanings and outspoken criticism of the MAGA movement, sparking wider discussion on free speech, media partiality, and political division in the US.
Trouble began after Kimmel’s monologue on 15 September 2025, where he spoke about the 10 September shooting at Utah Valley University that claimed the life of Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA’s co-founder. Kimmel, who has a reputation for mixing sharp jokes with political takes, hinted that the alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson, aged 22, could be associated with MAGA supporters.
“We hit new lows this weekend, with MAGA types twisting themselves into knots trying to distance this killer from their own ranks, while using the entire tragedy for scoring political points,” Kimmel said, according to several reports. He also mocked Donald Trump’s choice to lower flags to half-mast and to give Kirk a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom, joking that it reminded him of how a child grieves for a pet goldfish.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Jimmy Kimmel’s remarks went out to the show’s audience, which often reaches around 1.57 million viewers per episode. Conservative voices responded sharply, and social media lit up with criticism, mainly accusing Kimmel of being crass and using Kirk’s death for partisan gain. Hashtags like #WhatDidKimmelSay and #CancelKimmel rapidly trended as people asked for direct transcripts or video clips.
While some defended Kimmel’s use of satire and his right to comment, others said he had crossed a line. The divide online highlighted just how far apart people are on issues of political violence and media responsibility.
ABC Responds to the Jimmy Kimmel Backlash
As pressure built, Nexstar Media Group (which runs many ABC-affiliated stations) announced its decision to drop Jimmy Kimmel Live! “for the foreseeable future,” calling Kimmel’s comments “offensive and insensitive given the current political climate.” ABC soon made its own announcement, suspending the programme with no set return date.
This move surprised many in the industry, given Kimmel’s long run as a late-night regular. The channel’s action came after public calls from FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who was appointed by President Trump and suggested on a podcast that ABC’s licence could be at risk if it did not act.
Reactions on X were sharply divided. Many conservative users praised ABC’s move, claiming Jimmy Kimmel was finally being held to account for what they called divisive language. Others, especially on the left, described the suspension as censorship and said ABC was caving in to political pressure.
The debate grew over several days, with thousands replaying clips of Kimmel’s monologue while talking about the future of the show. Some pointed to a wider decline in traditional late-night TV as social media and streaming platforms change how viewers consume content.
Jimmy Kimmel is no stranger to political controversy. Over his career, he has openly supported progressive policies like gun law reform and healthcare for all, often combining serious commentary with jokes.
His repeated criticism of the MAGA movement and Donald Trump has both drawn loyal followers and made enemies. After Kirk’s death, Jimmy Kimmel posted on Instagram to offer sympathy to Kirk’s relatives and others affected by gun violence. Yet he stood by his point about political exploitation, writing that his family “sends love to the Kirks and to all families hurt by senseless shootings.”
Those on the right said Jimmy Kimmel’s comments made an unfair connection between Tyler Robinson and MAGA supporters, arguing there was no hard evidence. Messages later released by police showed Robinson blamed Kirk’s behaviour for his actions, saying he was tired of Kirk’s rhetoric. This complicated the debate around the shooting.
While Kimmel’s critics accused him of demonizing conservatives in a moment of grief, supporters insisted that he was highlighting a wider trend of politicizing tragedies. Kimmel himself has tackled this subject before, especially in response to mass shootings.
Wider Impacts and Ongoing Debate
ABC’s decision to shelve Jimmy Kimmel Live! has sparked a bigger discussion about what role late-night TV should play in a deeply divided country. Like his peer Stephen Colbert, Kimmel has leaned more heavily into political subjects, often blurring the line between jokes and activism.
Many are now debating how far comedians should go with satire and whether the price for provocative humour is too high in such tense times. On X, people argued about “consequence culture,” referencing other public figures who have recently lost jobs after making remarks about Kirk’s death or other political flashpoints.
This saga has also shown how social media can shape outcomes in the world of entertainment. Online outrage and fast-moving trends often push companies and networks to respond quickly than ever. As the debate around Kimmel’s comments and ABC’s reaction continues, the episode serves as a reminder of how quickly events can spiral when millions are watching and sharing.
Thousands are still discussing the show’s fate since, as of now, there is no official word on when, or if, it will return. Kimmel and his team have yet to comment in public, and the network appears to be handling the situation behind the scenes.
Even days after the initial suspension, social platforms remain busy with rumours and opinions. Whatever comes next, Jimmy Kimmel’s remarks about Charlie Kirk have clearly touched a nerve and exposed the fault lines in US politics and media.
Whether this spells the end for his time on late-night TV, or is just a short break, the response both on social media and within ABC is likely to keep making headlines for weeks ahead.
