ABC has decided to temporarily pull Jimmy Kimmel Live from the air following the host's controversial remarks regarding the killing of Charlie Kirk.
Kimmel's monologue last Monday night received backlash from supporters of Kirk and the conservative groups after he slammed the "MAGA gang" for trying to heat the political discourse on the aftermath of Kirk's murder and the arrest of the suspected shooter.
Why ABC Decided to Pull Jimmy Kimmel Live from the Air
ABC decided to indefinitely pull Jimmy Kimmel Live from the schedule after Nextar Media announced that they intend to preempt the airings of the show after the host's controversial remarks about Kirk.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr also threatened to take action against ABC, and he thanked Nextar for "doing the right thing," as they think that "it is important for broadcasters to push back on Disney programming that they determine falls short of community."
According to a report from Deadline, Kimmel was informed by Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Dana Walden about the decision hours before the scheduled taping of the episode.
Their conversation was described as "thoughtful," and "both sides were very businesslike and polite." Walden and Disney CEO Bob Iger made the decision as their attempt to tamp down the controversy.
The report also indicated that Kimmel "made it clear he was unwilling to apologize for his remarks." He was planning to clarify his comments and focus on calling out the supporters. However, Disney felt that if he had doubled down, they would have been forced to make a "drastic decision" on the show.
It should be noted that the show has not been officially canceled permanently, and there is still an intention to bring back the show on air "soon." However, it is also unknown yet if Kimmel is willing to return.
What is Jimmy Kimmel's Reaction to ABC's Decision to Pull His Show?
So far, Kimmel has not released a statement in reaction to ABC's decision to pull his late-night talk show off air.
However, the news has received a lot of backlash from several prominent figures, including the likes of Ben Stiller, Wanda Sykes, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Chris Hayes, Senator Chuck Schumer, Jean Smart, and more.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump celebrated the news on Truth Social as he wrote, "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." He has also called for NBC to cancel Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers' shows as well.
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