ABC suspends Jimmy Kimmel Live! after Charlie Kirk remarks, as late-night politics heat up

ABC has indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! following controversial remarks about conservative commentator Charlie Kirk and his alleged assassination, the network confirmed Thursday. The action, announced the day after Kimmel’s onscreen remarks drew swift scrutiny, marks a rare and high-profile move against a long-running late-night program that has anchored ABC’s late-night lineup for more than two decades. The network did not lay out a timeline for a potential return.

Over the past year, Kimmel has been a vocal critic of Donald Trump and his supporters, using extended monologues to frame political debate on his show. An assessment of the program cited by outlets noted that Kimmel spent roughly 90 minutes of monologue time over nine episodes railing against Trump since the show returned from its summer hiatus. The suspension comes amid a broader cultural moment in which late-night hosts have faced renewed attention for how they discuss politics and current events on air.

Adam Carolla, Kimmel’s longtime friend and former The Man Show co-host, said on The Adam Carolla Show that he texted his friend hours after ABC pulled the program from the air. Carolla described sending a message that read, “Thinking about you. I hope you’re okay,” and noted that Kimmel replied just 18 seconds later, “which is what Jimmy does.” Carolla recounted that Kimmel later told him he was being followed by a helicopter. The exchange illustrates the personal shock conveyed by close colleagues when a beloved program is abruptly sidelined amid controversy.

The suspension followed media reports that Kimmel had directed a sharp monologue at the days surrounding Kirk’s case, including a Monday night remark that tied Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin to Trump supporters. On Wednesdays’ program, Kimmel’s remarks were characterized by network executives as crossing a line that prompted ABC to remove the show from its schedule—an action that has not yet been followed by a firm date for reinstatement. In the wake of the decision, peers in late-night and political commentary weighed in. Stephen Colbert dedicated significant air time to a somber tribute to the canceled host, while Stephen A. Smith acknowledged that pulling Kimmel off the air “didn’t appear to be the wisest move.”

The episode in question also touched on a broader debate about the ethics of political humor and the influence of online discourse on real-world events. Critics and fans alike have debated whether late-night hosts should police or calibrate their jokes in response to dangerous rhetoric or real-world violence. Kimmel’s past year of Trump-focused material had, at times, defined the show’s tone and drawn attention to the political leanings that color late-night satire. A separate note from coverage pointed to Kimmel’s public stance against the Trump administration and its supporters, which has been a hallmark of his recent monologues as he navigates a highly charged political environment in the United States.

Kimmel’s suspension has not been accompanied by a public apology or a reinstatement timetable. He was later spotted in Los Angeles, departing a Century City office complex that houses several law firms, suggesting the host is pursuing counsel while the network weighs its options. The deal surrounding his $16 million-a-year contract remains in place, but ABC has not announced when, or if, the show will return to the air.

The incident also highlights ongoing tensions within Disney’s corporate ecosystem as executives and talent navigate the boundaries between entertainment and politics. In recent years, the company has faced criticism over how it handles politically sensitive material and public figures associated with it, with observers noting the potential financial and reputational implications of decisions to suspend or cancel high-profile programs or personalities.

In the meantime, Carolla—who has publicly argued against cancel culture—remains involved in the broader discussion about responsibility and accountability in media. He described his friendship with Kimmel as enduring despite differing political views, emphasizing that the two have remained in contact even as the public narrative around Kimmel’s suspension unfolded.

As of this writing, ABC has not announced a definitive date for resuming Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and Kimmel has not issued a formal public apology tied to the suspension. The incident remains a focal point in discussions about the role of political rhetoric in late-night entertainment and the balance networks strike between brand safety and free expression in US politics.