Disney has suspended Jimmy Kimmel and indefinitely shelved Jimmy Kimmel Live! after a firestorm erupted over his controversial remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
What began as a joke in poor taste has escalated into a national scandal, with regulators, broadcasters, and political leaders weighing in. Now, sources say an internal review is underway to determine whether Kimmel has a future at ABC.
The Remarks That Sparked the Storm
Kimmel ignited the controversy during his opening monologue, accusing Trump supporters of twisting the narrative surrounding Kirk’s killing. He referred to the shooter as part of the “MAGA gang” and mocked Donald Trump’s grieving process, saying it was comparable to “how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish.”
Those comments clashed with court filings and multiple news reports, which described suspect Tyler Robinson as left-leaning, pro-LGBTQ, and politically radicalized on the opposite side of the spectrum. Critics immediately accused Kimmel of misleading millions of viewers during a time of mourning.
Fallout and Federal Pressure
The outrage spread quickly. Prominent voices on social media demanded Kimmel’s firing, with some threatening lawsuits if Disney failed to act. “What the hell is so funny about a father of two children being killed?” one user asked.
The pressure intensified when FCC Chairman Brendan Carr suggested broadcasters could face consequences if they allowed misinformation to air unchecked. “We can do this the easy way or the hard way,” Carr warned, reminding stations of their duty to serve the public interest.
Nexstar and ABC Step In
Nexstar Media Group, one of the nation’s largest owners of local television stations, was the first to move, announcing it would preempt Kimmel’s show “for the foreseeable future.” Andrew Alford, Nexstar’s Broadcasting President, issued a stern statement:
“Mr. Kimmel’s comments about the death of Mr. Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse. Continuing to give Mr. Kimmel a broadcast platform is simply not in the public interest.”
ABC quickly followed suit, confirming that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would be “preempted indefinitely.” Disney executives have not commented publicly, but reports suggest the company is conducting an internal review into Kimmel’s conduct and the fallout it created.
Disney’s Precarious Position
For Disney, the timing is difficult. The company is already balancing political fights, cultural criticism, and economic challenges across its entertainment divisions. Suspending one of its most visible television hosts was not a decision taken lightly, but executives appear to have calculated that ignoring the controversy would have been worse.
The internal review now underway could determine whether Kimmel quietly exits under the guise of retirement or faces a public dismissal.
What’s Next
Kimmel’s career now hangs by a thread. While he had previously hinted at retirement, the scandal could force Disney’s hand sooner than expected. For now, the host has not issued an apology, fueling further speculation that he may not return at all.
With Disney moving into investigative mode, Kimmel’s days on ABC may already be numbered.
