Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show has been suspended “indefinitely” by ABC and many of its affiliates, triggering uproar and a response from Jimmy Fallon.
The controversy stems from comments Kimmel made during his September 15 monologue, after the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
Kimmel stated: “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang trying to characterize this kid who killed Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.” He followed that up the next night with: “Many in MAGA-land are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk.”
The content of these remarks led multiple ABC affiliates to preempt or suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! “indefinitely.”
Jimmy Fallon Speaks Out
On The Tonight Show on September 18, Jimmy Fallon addressed the shake-up, admitting that much of what’s going on remains unclear: “Well guys, the big story is that Jimmy Kimmel was suspended by ABC after pressure from the FCC, leaving everyone thinking WTF? What’s going on?
"This morning I woke up to 100 text messages from my dad saying, ‘I’m sorry they canceled your show.’ And I go, ‘That’s not me!’ That’s Jimmy Kimmel!”
Fallon said: “To be honest with you all, I don’t know what’s going on, and no one does. But I do know Jimmy Kimmel, and he’s a decent, funny, and loving guy.
He then added a five-word message: "I hope he comes back.”
He also addressed broader concerns, including possible censorship: “A lot of people are worried that we won't keep saying what we want to say, or that we'll be censored. But I’m going to cover the president’s trip to the UK just like I normally would. Here we go!”
Fallon then did a comedic bit about President Trump’s UK trip, with voiceovers interrupting him repeatedly as him describing the president’s appearance and tying into political commentary.
Donald Trump’s Reaction
President Trump seized the moment on Truth Social, celebrating Jimmy Kimmel Live!’s removal: “Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED.
"Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that’s possible.”
He also criticized Fallon and Seth Meyers: “That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!!”
Sinclair Broadcast Group, one of the largest ABC affiliate owners, added that it will only return Jimmy Kimmel Live! to its air if Kimmel meets certain conditions:
- Issue a direct apology to the Kirk family
- Make a meaningful personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA
Sinclair also noted it will air “a special in remembrance of Charlie Kirk” in the show’s former Friday night slot.