Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Sep 18: ABC’s late-night talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” has been suspended indefinitely after host Jimmy Kimmel faced backlash for his comments on the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The Walt Disney-owned network announced the move on Wednesday, September 17, citing the need to address concerns following criticism from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). “’Jimmy Kimmel Live’ will be pre-empted indefinitely,” ABC spokesperson told USA TODAY.

Kimmel had referred to the shooter in his September 15 episode, saying: “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang 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.”

The remarks drew widespread condemnation, including from Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar Media Group’s broadcasting division, who said the comments were “offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse.” Nexstar subsequently stopped airing the show on its 32 ABC affiliates.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr also weighed in, warning ABC, Disney, and Kimmel during a YouTube interview that regulatory action could follow. “We can do this the easy way or the hard way,” Carr said, adding there were calls for Kimmel to be fired and suggesting suspension was a possible outcome.

The incident comes after Tyler Robinson, 22, was charged on September 16 by Utah prosecutors with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering in connection with Charlie Kirk’s death.