Broadcasting network ABC suspends the late-night show "Jimmy Kimmel Live" indefinitely due to controversial statements made by host Jimmy Kimmel regarding Charlie Kirk.
In a series of recent developments, the late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live" has been pulled from various ABC-affiliated stations across the United States, following a wave of backlash over host Jimmy Kimmel's remarks about slain right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
The decision to remove the show was made by Nexstar Media Group, which owns ABC affiliates in 32 markets, including New Orleans, New Haven, Nashville, and Salt Lake City. Nexstar's president, Andrew Alford, stated that continuing to give Kimmel a broadcast platform is not in the public interest at this current time.
The controversy stemmed from Kimmel's comments about Kirk's death, which drew criticism from federal authorities and conservatives. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr has blasted Kimmel and threatened to take action against ABC. Trump and his attorney general, Pam Bondi, have also expressed their desire to crack down on any celebratory remarks about Kirk's death or criticism of his views.
However, the withdrawal of "Jimmy Kimmel Live" may not be solely due to Kimmel's comments. Within the news organization, there was anger over what was widely seen as a capitulation to Trump in order to clear a path for Paramount's $8-billion merger with David Ellison's Skydance Media.
Meanwhile, another late-night show, "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert," announced its end in May, with sources citing financial losses. Colbert had days earlier blasted Paramount's settlement with Trump, calling it a bribe.
Notably, Paramount Global agreed to pay $16 million to settle Trump's legal action against CBS News over the editing of a "60 Minutes" interview with his 2022 opponent, then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump also extracted a $16-million settlement from ABC in a defamation lawsuit over George Stephanopoulos' inaccurate on-air statement that Trump had been found civilly liable for raping writer E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s.
The withdrawal of "Jimmy Kimmel Live" has sparked debate within the entertainment industry. Media and entertainment journalist Stephen Battaglio has been reporting on the decision and its implications.
In a statement, Anna Gomez, the lone Democratic member of the FCC, criticized the administration's moves, stating that the Administration is increasingly using the weight of government power to suppress lawful expression, not because it glorifies violence or breaks the law, but because it challenges those in power or reflects views they oppose.
Nexstar Media Group has not announced when or if "Jimmy Kimmel Live" will return to its stations. Law enforcement officials have revealed that the Utah man accused in the shooting death of Kirk had liberal political leanings and expressed disdain for Kirk in communications with his roommate. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
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