Disney has indefinitely preempted Jimmy Kimmel Live! following backlash over the late-night host’s remarks on the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The move follows pressure from local ABC affiliates and criticism from the FCC after Kimmel appeared to minimize the political motivations of the alleged killer, who held left-wing views.
ABC parent company Disney confirmed that the show will be replaced “indefinitely” after Kimmel’s comments sparked outrage. Nexstar Media Group, one of the largest owners of ABC affiliates, took immediate action by pulling the program from its stations nationwide. Executives cited growing concerns about the content’s impact on public discourse and broadcaster responsibility.
The controversy began when Jimmy Kimmel responded to reports that Tyler Robinson, who was charged with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, was politically radicalized. Prosecutors described Robinson as “obsessed” with leftist ideology and said he was motivated by extreme political hatred. During a segment on his show, Kimmel mocked conservative reactions, sarcastically claiming that those condemning the violence were merely trying to “score political points.”
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr sharply rebuked Kimmel’s comments, calling them “offensive and insensitive.” Carr warned that broadcasters like ABC have legal obligations under federal law to serve the public interest and hinted at possible regulatory scrutiny. In a formal statement, Carr reminded Disney of its licensing responsibilities and called for accountability in how platforms handle speech related to political violence.
Nexstar affiliates acted quickly. In a memo circulated to station managers, Nexstar executives directed local programming departments to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! “for the foreseeable future,” replacing it with syndicated reruns or alternative late-night content. The network emphasized its duty to maintain community standards and uphold public trust, especially following a high-profile political assassination.
Disney has not announced whether Kimmel will return or if this signals a permanent cancellation. Internal sources told Fox News that company leaders are evaluating their next steps and are aware of the backlash from viewers and station partners.
This incident highlights growing concerns over partisan media narratives and the mainstream entertainment industry’s handling of political violence. It also raises broader questions about responsibility in media, especially when tragedies are used for ideological commentary. For Christian and conservative Americans, the call is clear: truth must not be buried under political expedience, and those with platforms must use their voices with integrity and discernment.
