ABC network temporarily removes Jimmy Kimmel's live show from broadcasting following controversial remarks made by guest Charlie Kirk.
In a series of recent events, the late-night comedy show "Jimmy Kimmel Live" has found itself in hot water due to comments made by its host, Jimmy Kimmel, about the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The controversy began when Kimmel made remarks about Kirk's killing in his monologue on Monday, drawing criticism from various quarters. Republican leaders and conservative commentators have warned Americans to mourn Kirk respectfully or face consequences, while Democratic lawmakers have assailed the decision to pull the show from the air, stating that free speech is under attack.
The suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live" marks the latest action taken against media figures, academic workers, teachers, and corporate employees over their remarks about Kirk following his assassination. Washington Post columnist Karen Attiah was fired over a series of social media posts following the killing.
FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez has stated that U.S. free-speech laws should prevent the FCC from telling broadcasters what they can air. However, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, a Trump-aligned commissioner, publicly condemned Kimmel's monologue, calling Kimmel's statements "truly sick" and urging the broadcaster to take action. Although he has no official power to suspend the show, Carr's harsh criticism contributed to ABC's decision to indefinitely suspend "Jimmy Kimmel Live" amid political pressure.
Sinclair, the nation's largest ABC affiliate group, has announced that it would not air Kimmel's show, even if ABC decides to bring it back, unless "appropriate steps" were taken. Nexstar Media Group has also stated that it would stop airing the show on its 32 ABC affiliates, citing Kimmel's comments.
President Donald Trump has a history of suing, berating, and threatening media companies over disputed coverage. This week, he filed a $15 billion defamation lawsuit against the New York Times and book publisher Penguin Random House. Trump applauded the suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on ABC and called on Comcast-owned NBC to fire Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers.
In a related development, CBS-parent Paramount paid $16 million in July to resolve a civil suit over what Trump alleged was deceptive editing of an interview. ABC paid $15 million in December to settle a defamation lawsuit filed by Trump over an on-air description of his conduct in the E. Jean Carroll case.
A 22-year-old suspect has been charged with the murder of Charlie Kirk, and his precise motive remains unclear. The comments by Kimmel allegedly prompted a threat by the head of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) against Disney.
Matthew Dowd was fired from MSNBC after describing Charlie Kirk as a "divisive" figure who spread "hate speech." Senator Ed Markey criticised the removal of Kimmel from the air, calling it "censorship in action."
As the situation continues to unfold, the future of "Jimmy Kimmel Live" remains uncertain, with many questioning the implications of the suspension on free speech and the role of media in shaping public discourse.
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