An ABC affiliate station owner has warned that Jimmy Kimmel's suspension "will only be lifted" if he meets certain conditions.
The 57-year-old host is facing mounting fallout after comments about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk led to his late-night show being suspended “indefinitely” across multiple ABC affiliates.
During his Monday (September 15) monologue, Kimmel suggested that Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of shooting Kirk during a university debate, might be aligned with Trump supporters.
“The MAGA Gang [is] desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it,” he said.
The following night, he stood by his words and added: “Many in MAGA-land are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk.”
ABC affiliates demand an apology and a donation
On Wednesday (September 17), Sinclair Broadcast Group - the largest ABC affiliate owner in the US - announced it was pulling Jimmy Kimmel Live! from its stations “indefinitely”.
“Mr. Kimmel’s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country,” said vice chairman Jason Smith.
Sinclair set two conditions for any potential return: Kimmel must “issue a direct apology to the Kirk family” and “make a meaningful personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA.”
The company also revealed it would air “a special in remembrance of Charlie Kirk” during the show’s Friday night slot instead.
"Regardless of ABC’s plans for the future of the program, Sinclair intends not to return 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' to our air until we are confident that appropriate steps have been taken to uphold the standards expected of a national broadcast platform," the statement concluded.
FCC commissioner calls remarks ‘sickest conduct possible’
FCC commissioner Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, described Kimmel’s segment as “the sickest conduct possible” and accused the host of trying to “play into a narrative that this was somehow a MAGA or Republican motivated person,” per The Guardian.
The Trump appointee spoke on the conservative Benny Show podcast and argued that broadcasters have “an obligation to operate in the public interest” and urged Disney, ABC’s parent company, to discipline Kimmel.
He said an apology would be “a very reasonable, minimal step” and warned networks could face fines or even license revocation if no action was taken.
Celebrities push back on the news
The move has drawn sharp criticism from Hollywood figures.
Rose O'Donnell shared a photo of Kimmel on Instagram and wrote: "This is unacceptable - f*** this fascist administration and corrupt corporate executives - bowing to the orange monster - America is no more."
Comedian Wanda Sykes shared a video on Instagram, explaining that she was scheduled to appear on the late-night show on Wednesday night.
"Let’s see. He didn’t end the Ukraine war or solve Gaza within his first week. But he did end freedom of speech within his first year. Hey, for those of you who pray, now’s the time to do it. Love you, Jimmy," she said.
Ben Stiller also reacted to the announcement on X, writing: "This isn’t right," while Sophia Bush did the same: "The First Amendment doesn’t exist in America anymore. Period. Fascism is here and it’s chilling."
Trump celebrates the news
Donald Trump wasted no time in celebrating the suspension on Truth Social, writing: “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.”
The president went on to take aim at other late-night hosts: “That leaves Jimmy [Fallon] and Seth [Meyers], two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!!”
As of right now, it remains unclear whether Kimmel will return to the air. A source close to the host stressed he has not been fired, but said ABC executives plan to meet with him before any comeback.