Live show 'Jimmy Kimmel' temporarily halted due to recent controversy echoing past ABC late-night turmoil
The US late-night show Jimmy Kimmel Live! was indefinitely suspended following the host's controversial remarks related to a murder. This decision was made by current Disney CEO Bob Iger, amidst threats from FCC head Brendan Carr and an announcement from station owner Nexstar.
The comments that drew ire from Carr, Nexstar, and others were perceived as politically charged, with Dinesh D'Souza, a guest on the show, pushing back on the notion that the hijackers were "cowards." The suspension came in response to these comments made by Jimmy Kimmel in his monologue on Monday.
The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! follows a similar incident 24 years ago with Bill Maher's show, Politically Incorrect. However, ABC's response to Bill Maher's remarks was quite different than their response to Jimmy Kimmel's. In 2001, after the attacks on New York and Washington, the panel show Politically Incorrect aired on Sept. 17. ABC issued a statement in support of the show, saying it celebrates freedom of speech and encourages the animated exchange of ideas.
FedEx and Sears dropped their ads on the show, and some ABC affiliates dropped it as well. Another station group, Sinclair, also announced they would keep Kimmel's show off the air. Affiliates who had dropped the show began airing it again a week later, but Hollywood unions have spoken out against the suspension, claiming it chills free speech and threatens artist livelihoods.
Trump has claimed that Kimmel was "fired" for lack of talent after ABC pulled the late-night show. However, it's important to note that the suspension is indefinite, not a permanent cancellation. The White House press secretary, Ari Fleischer, said, "People have to watch what they say and watch what they do."
This incident has sparked discussions about freedom of speech, artistic expression, and the role of corporations and broadcasters in shaping public discourse. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to the airwaves and what impact, if any, this incident will have on the future of late-night television.
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