Jimmy Kimmel fired from Jimmy Kimmel Live!? free speech clash sparks outcry in MAGA–Charlie Kirk row; Trump urges same fate for Fallon, Seth Meyers

ABC announced Wednesday evening, September 17, it was pulling Jimmy Kimmel's late night show indefinitely after criticism of comments he made Monday, September 15, about the motives of the man accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Brendan Carr, the Federal Communications Commission chair, sharply criticized Kimmel's comments on a podcast earlier Wednesday. The regulatory official's intervention marked an unusual federal response to late-night television content.

Nexstar, an owner of many local stations throughout the United States, said shortly before ABC's announcement that it was pre-empting episodes of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" for the "foreseeable future".


Hours after Kimmel's erasure from the media conglomerate, Trump hailed attacks on the comedian on Truth Social including others, like, Jimmy Fallon and Seth Myers.



Also read: Can we stop 'angry finger-pointing': Jimmy Kimmel reacts to Charlie Kirk death

"Nexstar strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets," the company said.

Who is Jimmy Kimmel?

Jimmy Kimmel is an American television host, comedian, writer, and producer, best known as the longtime host of ABC’s late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which premiered in 2003.

Born in Brooklyn in 1967 and raised in Las Vegas, he began his career in radio before moving into television, co-hosting shows like Win Ben Stein’s Money and The Man Show. Kimmel is recognized for his sharp humor, celebrity interviews, political satire, and for hosting major events such as the Academy Awards.

Network response to Charlie Kirk controversy

The decision came after controversial comments by the host about the slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, hours after the head of the Federal Communications Commission suggested ABC's broadcast license could be at risk. The network's swift action reflects the mounting pressure from both federal regulators and affiliate stations.