Disney said ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live! is being pulled indefinitely as executives review remarks by host Jimmy Kimmel about the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Disney confirmed to Fox News Digital that ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! was being pulled 'indefinitely' and would be replaced on the network's schedule for the foreseeable future while the matter is reviewed.
Former Cincinnati Reds shortstop Zack Cozart cheered the move in a post on X, writing 'The tide is turning' and 'keep the pedal to the metal.' He urged supporters to keep pressure on Disney over the controversy surrounding Kimmel's remarks. The remarks came as authorities publicly described the case and the suspect's alleged ideologies, prompting broad political and media reaction. On Monday, Kimmel accused conservatives of reaching 'new lows' in tying a left-wing ideology to a 22-year-old suspect in the killing of Charlie Kirk, even though prosecutors reaffirmed those ties in Tuesday’s indictment. It was also revealed that the suspect had a romantic relationship with a transgender partner who was transitioning to female.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr appeared on The Benny Show and said the agency could pursue avenues against Disney, calling Kimmel's remarks 'some of the sickest conduct' and suggesting there were potential actions the FCC could consider. Nexstar Media Group, which owns hundreds of television stations, announced earlier it would preempt Kimmel's show on its ABC affiliates starting Wednesday night 'for the foreseeable future' and would replace it with other programming over his comments about the case.
Kirk, 31, was shot and killed last week while speaking at Utah Valley University. Thousands of people have mourned his death in vigils across the U.S. Kirk's funeral is set for Sept. 21 in Glendale, Arizona.
The controversy unfolds as broadcasters weigh the balance between political commentary and entertainment programming, with network executives facing scrutiny over how late-night hosts address violent events and political rhetoric. Disney's decision to pause Kimmel's program follows rapid developments in the investigation and mounting public commentary from lawmakers and industry leaders alike, underscoring the intersection of culture, media responsibility, and political discourse.
