ABC has suspended late-night host Jimmy Kimmel following backlash over controversial remarks about the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
On September 10, 2025, Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem. The suspect, 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson, was arrested and charged. Officials, including Spencer Cox, said he appeared to hold “leftist ideology,” citing signs of radicalization such as anti-fascist messages and support for progressive causes.
During an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel criticized what he described as the “MAGA crowd” for attempting to portray the suspect differently and accused them of politicizing the tragedy. He also mocked the response of Donald Trump. Although Kimmel condemned the violence, critics argued his comments mischaracterized the suspect’s background.
The backlash was immediate. Affiliates owned by Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group pulled the show, calling the remarks insensitive. Brendan Carr of the Federal Communications Commission also criticized the segment as irresponsible.
ABC, owned by The Walt Disney Company, then suspended the program for about a week starting September 17. Kimmel returned on September 23, expressing regret for any misunderstanding while defending his broader point about political division.
The incident has sparked debate over media responsibility, free speech, and the role of satire in addressing political violence in a deeply divided nation.
