LOS ANGELES, USA: Walt Disney-owned ABC has pulled the plug on its late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely, following heated backlash over the host’s controversial remarks about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
During his September 15 monologue, Kimmel lashed out at what he called the “MAGA gang”, accusing them of twisting the tragedy and politicizing the incident for their own narrative. His comments quickly drew sharp criticism from conservative circles and triggered a response from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). FCC Chair Brendan Carr issued a warning to broadcasters, suggesting the remarks could invite regulatory action.
The warning prompted Nexstar Media Group, which operates 32 ABC affiliates, to drop the show. Soon after, ABC announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would be preempted indefinitely, marking one of the most dramatic interventions in U.S. late-night television in recent years.
The suspension immediately sparked political reactions. Former President Donald Trump praised the move and demanded similar actions against other late-night hosts critical of him. Meanwhile, Democrats and free-speech advocates slammed the decision as political censorship, arguing it sets a dangerous precedent for curbing satire and free expression.
For now, the future of Jimmy Kimmel Live! hangs in the balance as debate intensifies over where the line between free speech and broadcast regulation should be drawn.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.