ABC suspends Jimmy Kimmel after Charlie Kirk comments

ABC recently decided to suspend Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show due to his comments about the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the alleged shooter at Utah Valley University. 

An ABC spokesperson stated, “Jimmy Kimmel Live will be pre-empted indefinitely,” without providing further details about the incident in question. According to CNN, this comes hours after a Trump administration official who is responsible for ABC’s public licensing pressured the popular outlet to take action against Jimmy Kimmel. 

The decision sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some individuals accusing ABC of siding with the Trump administration. Social media platforms were flooded with posts stating that they “Stand with Jimmy Kimmel” and that he shouldn’t have been suspended over his comments, citing concerns of freedom of speech.

Additionally, many free speech groups condemned ABC and described its decision as cowardly.

US President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social, celebrating Kimmel’s axing, “Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done,” Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform. “That leaves Jimmy (Fallon) and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!!”

What caused ABC’s fallout with Jimmy Kimmel?

During his Monday monologue, the renowned TV host made comments about the MAGA movement and how it was trying to divert attention from the fact that Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, was a Republican due to his parents’ political stance.

He said during the monologue, “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,” Kimmel said. “In between the finger-pointing, there was grieving.”

A brief on Tyler Robinson, Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer

Charlie Kirk was brutally shot in the neck on Sept. 10, 2025, allegedly by 22-year-old Tyler Robinson. Kirk was attending a debate at Utah Valley University as part of his American Comeback Tour when the shooting incident occurred, sparking panic on the institution’s premises.

Robinson was later arrested for aggravated murder and several other counts and appeared in virtual court yesterday.

According to AP, prosecutors shared alleged evidence showcasing text messages between Robinson and his loved ones where he confessed to killing Kirk. In those messages, Robinson wrote how he had “had enough of Kirk’s hatred,” and added that he would turn himself in, which he did.

Reports indicate that Utah prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Robinson due to his alleged actions.