Abolished from ABC: Jimmy Kimmel of Hollywood, Already in Trouble Prior to Deceiving Charlie Kirk
In a surprising turn of events, ABC News pulled Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show "indefinitely" on Wednesday night, following his misleading comments about the suspected political assassin of Charlie Kirk. This decision was made by Dana Walden, who oversees streaming and TV channels at The Walt Disney Company, which owns ABC News.
The move has raised questions about Kimmel's future on ABC News, with many questioning whether he will be reinstated or if this is a permanent decision. The suspension comes after Kimmel lied to his audience about the details of the suspected assassin, a move that was widely criticised as offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse.
MSNBC host Chris Hayes reacted to the news by stating that countries where comedians can't mock leaders on late-night TV are not desirable places to live. However, it's important to note that this suspension is not about free speech; ABC News pulled Kimmel because he willfully lied about the details of a suspected political assassin.
Kimmel's political rhetoric has been perceived as forced and an overcompensation for his past. His anti-Trump act is seen as a desperate bid for approval from Hollywood's elite, while his influence is minimal, his content is divisive, and his returns are diminished.
Kimmel's commentary following Charlie Kirk's death did not express decency, as he continued to dehumanize people with different political beliefs. This was further highlighted when later-released texts between Robinson and his trans partner confirmed he targeted Kirk because of his conservative beliefs.
Removing Kimmel from his job is not considered cancel culture or an attack on free speech, but accountability for his demonic, ghoulish views that can't admit that political assassination is wrong. Kimmel refused to correct the record Tuesday night, and ABC News' swift actions suggest he had no intention of doing so.
It's worth noting that CBS canceled Stephen Colbert's show earlier this year due to estimated annual losses of $40 million. Kimmel, like Colbert, makes around $17 million a year and requires a large staff of writers and producers.
ABC News was set to lose more money on Kimmel's program moving forward due to Nexstar Media Group's announcement that it would preempt "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on its 32 ABC News affiliates. This decision was also criticised by Nexstar broadcasting chief Andrew Alford, who stated that Kimmel's comments about the death of Charlie Kirk were offensive and insensitive.
In contrast, Kimmel began his television career on "The Man Show" with a focus on normal-guy topics. His tearful monologue after Trump's election was perceived as more eunuch-like than partisan, suggesting a shift in his approach to politics.
Despite the controversy, it's unclear when or if Kimmel will return to the airwaves. For now, the late-night television landscape is without one of its most polarising figures.
Read also:
- Eighteen-Year-Old Speaks Out Against Lowering Voting Age to Sixteen
- King Charles's body language analyst dissects signs of apparent 'impatience' exhibited by Charles towards Trump
- Mohammad Yousuf publically labeled Suryakumar Yadav as a "pig," an unusual slur Yousuf explained.
- Today's most impactful photographic moments