ABC has indefinitely pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! after on-air remarks in which host Jimmy Kimmel criticized the supporters of the man who killed Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old right-wing figure. The network’s decision was announced after Monday night’s monologue, and Kimmel was photographed Thursday arriving at a Century City complex that houses several law firms.
Disney, ABC’s parent company, faced swift backlash from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who demanded action after hearing what he called some of the sickest conduct possible. The criticism was joined by the Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nextar, which own dozens of ABC affiliates and preempted the show in their markets. Sinclair, in particular, demanded that Kimmel issue a direct apology to Kirk’s family and make a meaningful personal donation to Turning Point USA, an aligned political organization.
The photos, provided by London Entertainment for the New York Post, show the late-night host driving a black Audi S8 into the Century City complex that houses several law firms. The public appearance comes amid mounting questions about whether Kimmel will return to host the show, which has taped in front of a live audience for years.
Kimmel’s remarks, broadcast Monday night, targeted supporters of the man who killed Charlie Kirk, referring to them as the “MAGA gang” and accusing them of attempting to score political points from the tragedy. The comments drew swift condemnation from members of the media industry and political figures, who argued they crossed lines of decency and risked inflaming tensions around the incident. The network did not specify a timeline for reinstatement, and Disney has not publicly outlined conditions for Kimmel’s return.
The episode’s fallout extended beyond the network to the corporate and local-television landscape. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said in a statement that the remarks represented “some of the sickest conduct possible” and urged Disney to take appropriate action. Carr, who has previously pressed broadcasters on standards and accountability, indicated that the matter warranted review at the regulator’s level. Separately, Sinclair and Nextar, which own many ABC affiliates, preempted Kimmel’s program in several markets, with Sinclair calling for a formal apology and a donation tied to Turning Point USA, the conservative student advocacy group linked to Charlie Kirk.
The immediate effect on the show’s staff and production was reflected in local reporting and commentary, with outlets noting that Kimmel’s team was reeling from the suspension. Late-night colleagues and industry watchers have tracked the situation closely, underscoring how the corporate parent’s response could shape the show’s future.
As the week progressed, the question of when or whether Kimmel will return remained unresolved. The suspension marks a rare interruption in a program that has anchored ABC’s late-night lineup for years, and it has drawn attention to the broader debate over on-air comments, accountability, and the boundaries of political discourse in late-night television.
The episode’s coverage and the surrounding response illustrate how a single broadcast can trigger a chain reaction across the industry, affecting affiliates, regulators, and the corporate parent’s public stance. Observers say the coming days will be pivotal in determining whether Kimmel returns to lead the program, whether concessions are made, and what standards the network will apply in the wake of the controversy. The situation remains fluid as Disney, ABC’s parent, evaluates the public and internal feedback and weighs the potential implications for its late-night strategy.