Lock it up, ABC just announced that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will be permanently canceled. This decision follows inflammatory remarks made by host Jimmy Kimmel following the killing of right-leaning commentator Charlie Kirk. This one segment of the show led to public outrage from millions of Americans. In retaliation, the network sued.
Jimmy Kimmel’s comments came in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s tragic shooting while he was on a speaking tour in Utah on September 10. The suspect, 19-year-old Tyler Robinson, has been charged with aggravated murder and felony discharge of a firearm, both first-degree felonies. Authorities are still pursuing the death penalty for Robinson, as was the initial plan even before the trial.
As part of this genius show, Kimmel spoke about a report that pinpointed these far-right groups. The report called them the number one threat of domestic terrorism and extremist violence in the United States. He called it a “statistical fact” only to blow it off as “total bullshit.” Kimmel’s stinging rebuke to U.S. Vice President JD Vance. He called Vance out for scapegoating the left for Kirk’s death without providing any proof.
“And by ‘statistical fact’, he means ‘complete bullshit’,” – Jimmy Kimmel
Kimmel’s remarks further escalated when he suggested that many in “Maga-land” were attempting to exploit Kirk’s murder for political gain. He specifically questioned Vance’s motives and actions, referring to past events where the vice president’s party had shown aggression towards political opponents.
“Here’s a question JD Vance might be able to answer: 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?” – Jimmy Kimmel
Nexstar, the parent company affiliated with ABC’s local TV stations, went so far as to threaten Kimmel’s commentary with legal action. Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar’s broadcasting division, characterized Kimmel’s remarks as “offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse.” He observed that the local broadcasters need to keep their pledge to operate in the public interest first.
“Continuing to give Mr. Kimmel a broadcast platform in the communities we serve is simply not in the public interest at the current time,” – Andrew Alford
With this, Nexstar has determined to swap “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” with other programming across its ABC-affiliated markets. The company emphasized its responsibility to push back against content it deems unsuitable, particularly when it falls short of community standards.
Brendan Carr, a member of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), weighed in on the matter, mentioning potential fines or even licensed revocation for broadcasters who do not uphold community standards.
“Local broadcasters have an obligation to serve the public interest. While this may be an unprecedented decision, it is important for broadcasters to push back on Disney programming that they determine falls short of community,” – Brendan Carr
As of the writing of this report, Jimmy Kimmel has not issued an official apology for his remarks. He has remained mum about the suspension of his show too. This is an ongoing situation that will likely see more developments occurring, as public opinion and network practices both change and adapt in real time.