Kimmel's Show Pulled by ABC After Controversial Remarks on Charlie Kirk's Death
The late-night program hosted by Jimmy Kimmel was suspended from broadcasting after he made contentious remarks regarding the passing of Charlie Kirk.
On the Monday, September 15, episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel, aged 57, discussed his perspective on Kirk’s assassination. (The right-wing political commentator was fatally shot at an event at Utah Valley University on September 10. Kirk was 31 years old.)
“Over the weekend, we saw a new low as the MAGA faction frantically attempted to portray the individual who killed Charlie Kirk as anything but one of their own, using every possible means to gain political advantage,” Kimmel stated. “Amidst the accusations, there was sorrow.”
Kimmel mentioned that President Donald Trump had commanded flags be lowered to half-mast. He further observed that Trump appeared to be deeply affected by the news, prior to presenting footage of the president discussing White House ballroom renovations with reporters, immediately after being questioned about his response to Kirk’s unfortunate demise.
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“He’s reached the fourth phase of mourning: construction,” Kimmel joked. “It begins with demolition, then construction.”
Kimmel subsequently made a critical remark about Trump, 79, who was understood to have a close relationship with Kirk.
“An adult does not mourn the slaying of an individual he considered a friend in this manner,” Kimmel asserted. “This is akin to how a four-year-old would lament the loss of a goldfish.”
Several days following the broadcast, reports emerged that ABC was discontinuing Kimmel’s show.
“Jimmy Kimmel Live! will be temporarily removed from the schedule without a set return date,” an ABC representative verified to Us Weekly on Wednesday, September 17.
ABC’s decision follows reports that Nexstar Media, a conglomerate owning numerous television channels, had reportedly threatened to remove the late-night program from its offerings. The corporation informed Variety in a statement on Wednesday that they held “strong” objections to “Mr. Kimmel’s recent remarks regarding the homicide of Charlie Kirk.”
Us has contacted Kimmel’s representatives for his statement.
Throughout his life, Kirk was a divisive individual and remained contentious even after his death. Although numerous celebrities and political personalities expressed sorrow for Kirk and condemned his killing, those who spoke unfavorably faced criticism and repercussions. Several public figures lost their jobs for making insensitive comments about Kirk, among them MSNBC correspondent Matthew Dowd.
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“[Kirk was] among the most polarizing, particularly divisive younger personalities in this sphere, who consistently propagated a form of hate speech or rhetoric targeting specific communities,” stated Dowd, a former strategist for President George W. Bush, during the network’s broadcast. “I always revert to the idea that malevolent thoughts generate malevolent words, which subsequently lead to malevolent deeds. And I believe that accurately describes our current climate. One cannot harbor such dreadful thoughts and utter such dreadful words without anticipating dreadful consequences. And that is the regrettable situation we find ourselves in.”
A few hours subsequently, Dowd, aged 64, was dismissed from his role at the network, prompting him to release an apology.
“Let us unite to denounce all forms of violence,” he penned. “My sympathies and prayers are with Charlie Kirk’s family and acquaintances. During a previous segment on MSNBC, I was asked about our present climate. I regret the manner and phrasing of my statements.”
