Network ABC Terminates 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' over Charlie Kirk Remarks - Here's His Controversial Statements
In a series of recent events, the late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" has found itself in the midst of a heated controversy. The controversy stems from comments made by host Jimmy Kimmel about conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which have led to the suspension of the show on several networks.
The first domino to fall was California Governor Gavin Newsom's tweet, in which he accused the GOP of not believing in free speech and censoring voices. This tweet came shortly after the decision to pull "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" from several local ABC affiliates, including Sinclair Broadcast Group, the network's largest affiliate.
The suspension of the show was due to Kimmel's comments about Kirk, although the specifics of these comments remain unclear. The White House's Rapid Response X account called Kimmel a "sick freak" for his remarks, while FCC Chairman Brendan Carr suggested the FCC could take action against the talk show.
Andrew Alford, President of Nexstar's broadcasting division, which owns many local ABC affiliates, cited Kimmel's comments as offensive and insensitive. Nexstar is seeking FCC approval for its $6.2 billion acquisition of TEGNA, a move that would give Nexstar the largest share of local TV stations in the U.S.
The Writers Guild of America has also criticized the decision, stating that they stand united in opposition to anyone who silences voices. Democratic Party leaders and other entertainers, such as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and actor Ben Stiller, have also spoken out against ABC's decision.
In a post on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump cheered Kimmel being taken off air, calling the show "CANCELLED" and saying Kimmel has "ZERO talent." Trump claimed that Kimmel was fired for lack of talent and that the suspension had nothing to do with free speech. Trump welcomed ABC's decision to suspend Kimmel's show after Kimmel criticized Trump supporters regarding the attack on Kirk.
In a more positive turn of events, Sinclair Broadcast Group will broadcast a one-hour special in remembrance of Kirk during Friday's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" time slot. It remains to be seen how this controversy will unfold and whether "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" will return to its usual schedule.
The controversy surrounding "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" is not the only instance of media censorship being called into question. In the first year of Trump's presidency, the FCC greenlighted the $8 billion merger between CBS News and Skydance Media after a $16 billion settlement from CBS and promises from Skydance to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations.
Furthermore, CBS announced the cancellation of "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" purely for financial reasons, with Democratic lawmakers questioning the timing of the cancellation amid Colbert's scrutiny against the president and after Paramount settled a $16 million lawsuit with Trump.
The ongoing debate about free speech and censorship in the media continues to be a contentious issue, with many arguing that broadcasters have an obligation to operate in the public interest. FCC Chairman Carr has emphasized this point, stating that broadcasters should push back on programming that falls short of community standards.
As the situation with "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" continues to develop, it is clear that the issue of free speech and censorship in the media will remain a topic of discussion and debate.
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