ABC Pulls Jimmy Kimmel Live! Indefinitely Amid Controversy

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In a surprising turn of events, ABC has decided to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely following controversial remarks made by host Jimmy Kimmel. The decision comes after significant backlash from affiliate stations, particularly Nexstar, over Kimmel’s comments regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Jimmy Kimmel and his late-night talk show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, are facing an indefinite hiatus, as confirmed by an ABC spokesperson to IndieWire. This decision follows objections from several affiliate stations, notably Nexstar, regarding Kimmel’s recent comments about the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

In light of multiple threats, both ABC and its parent company, Disney, have decided to take action. The spokesperson stated:

  • Nexstar will preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! for the foreseeable future, starting with tonight’s episode.
  • The network strongly disapproves of Kimmel’s remarks concerning Kirk’s death and will replace the show with alternative programming in its ABC-affiliated markets.

Earlier this week, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr warned of potential fines against Disney if Kimmel remained on air. During his Monday monologue, Kimmel remarked:

“We had some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and with everything they can to score political points from it.”

On Tuesday, Kimmel criticized Vice President JD Vance for his comments on Kirk’s show, labeling them as “complete bullshit.” He pointed out the inconsistency in Vance’s claims about political violence, stating:

“Who wanted to hang the guy who was vice president before you? Was that the liberal left or the toothless army who stormed the Capitol on January 6?”

Kimmel also expressed his condolences on Instagram, urging for a moment of unity against gun violence:

“Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human? On behalf of my family, we send love to the Kirks and to all the children, parents, and innocents who fall victim to senseless gun violence.”

This year, Kimmel’s show received a Primetime Emmy nomination, and he personally won an Emmy for hosting Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?. Having been with ABC since 2003, Kimmel has hosted the Oscars twice, which also air on the network.

As for the future of late-night programming, it remains uncertain whether ABC will replace Kimmel or continue with a different format. This news comes on the heels of Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show also concluding next year. Paramount cited financial losses as the reason for the cancellation, but some speculate that political motivations may have influenced the decision, especially following the settlement of Trump’s lawsuit with CBS News and 60 Minutes.

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