VIDEO: Jimmy Kimmel’s show suspended indefinitely over comments on Charlie Kirk

Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show has been "pre-empted indefinitely" by ABC following remarks he made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The decision, which has ignited a national debate over political commentary and free speech, comes after a sustained backlash and pressure from major television station owners and the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

In his Monday night monologue, Kimmel addressed the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, who was a prominent ally of President Donald Trump. Kimmel criticized what he called the "MAGA gang" for "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."

He also mocked President Trump's public reaction to the killing, saying, "This is not how an adult grieves... This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish." The alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson, has been charged with murder and reportedly sent a message to his roommate that he "had enough of [Kirk's] hatred.

Network and Political Reactions

The suspension followed an announcement from Nexstar Media Group, one of the nation's largest owners of local TV stations, that it would stop broadcasting the show.

Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar's broadcasting division, stated that Kimmel's comments were "offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse" and did not "reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located."

The move was celebrated by President Trump, who posted on his social media platform Truth Social, "Great News for America," and called Kimmel "ratings challenged" with "ZERO talent." FCC chairman Brendan Carr also condemned the remarks as "some of the sickest conduct possible" and suggested the agency could take action against ABC affiliates, warning they could face fines or license revocation.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and civil liberties groups, who accuse the Trump administration of using government power to silence its political critics. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker called the suspension an "attack on free speech," while Senator Chuck Schumer urged everyone to "stop what's happening to Jimmy Kimmel" and defend free speech.