ABC has pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air indefinitely, following a wave of backlash over the host’s controversial commentary surrounding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The decision has not only triggered strong reactions from fans and celebrities, but also reportedly left Kimmel himself furious.
He is reportedly exploring ways to sever ties with the network he’s called home for over two decades.
Kimmel Under Fire for MAGA Remarks After Charlie Kirk’s Death
The controversy erupted after Kimmel made pointed remarks during his Monday and Tuesday broadcasts in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s killing.
In his monologue, the longtime host stated: "Many in MAGA land are working very hard to capitalise on the murder of Charlie Kirk."
He added: "We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterise this kid 'who murdered' Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it."
Kimmel also accused Donald Trump and his allies of “doing their best to fan the flames following the assassination” — comments that triggered swift backlash from ABC affiliates.
Nexstar and ABC Axe Kimmel
Nexstar Communications Group — which operates 23 ABC-affiliated stations — deemed Kimmel’s comments "offensive and insensitive."
According to Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar’s broadcasting division, the company "strongly objects" to Kimmel's remarks, prompting their refusal to air the show, per the Guardian.
ABC responded quickly. The network announced on Wednesday that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would be pulled from its schedule indefinitely — a decision that some insiders say could mark the end of Kimmel’s 20-year relationship with the network.
Insider: “Jimmy is p*ssed... this is the last straw”
Kimmel, who has hosted and executive produced the show since 2003, has yet to issue a public comment — but sources say he’s fuming behind the scenes.
One insider told the Mirror: "Jimmy is p*ssed over the decision to suspend him and the show and he isn't going to take this lightly, as he is actively looking for ways to get out of his contract.
"This is the last straw and Jimmy is now looking to break his relationship with ABC forever."
With his current deal set to expire in May next year, Kimmel is reportedly considering an early exit.
Trump Applauds ABC: “Kimmel has ZERO talent”
Unsurprisingly, Donald Trump welcomed the cancellation. Taking to Truth Social, the president posted: "Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done."
He also took a personal jab, declaring: "Kimmel has ZERO talent."
The feud between Kimmel and Trump has been ongoing for years, and this latest chapter only intensified their rivalry.
Celebs Push Back: “This isn't right”
While Trump cheered the network’s decision, a number of celebrities have voiced outrage over the cancellation.
Oscar-winner Jamie Lee Curtis shared her disbelief via Instagram Stories, posting a photo of Kimmel with the quote: "I don't think anybody should be canceled. I really don't."
Singer John Legend also condemned the move by reposting a quote from David Frum: '"How dare you call us fascists just because our appointees threaten government retaliation against broadcast networks if their comedians don't say what we want them to say."'
Ben Stiller weighed in on X (formerly Twitter), reposting the ABC announcement with a simple but sharp response: "This isn't right."
Kimmel and Colbert May Join Forces
Reports suggest Kimmel may soon appear on Stephen Colbert’s show. The two late-night hosts — both known for their criticism of Trump — may be exploring new ways to collaborate.
A source told the Daily Mail: "They both are in the same predicament with being against the Trump administration, and they are now looking to do something together to fight for what they believe in.
"They both don't want Trump to win in any way or fashion at all, and this has lit an extreme fire under Jimmy's a** to continue to tell it like it is and be real to himself."
Colbert, like Kimmel, has faced mounting pressure from conservative voices and saw his own show axed by CBS earlier this summer.