Unveiling the private circumstances culminating in Kimmel's suspension
In a surprising turn of events, the late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live" has been suspended indefinitely. The decision, made by Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney Entertainment Co-chairman Dana Walden, comes after a week-long issue within Disney and ABC executive ranks.
The suspension follows comments made by Jimmy Kimmel during his Monday night monologue about the suspected killer of Charlie Kirk and Trump's supporters. Kimmel's remarks attracted criticism from the right, putting the issue on Disney's radar.
On Tuesday, Kimmel doubled down on his comments, stating that many in MAGA-land were working to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk. This escalated the matter, leading to a conversation between Kimmel and Walden about how to move forward. The conversation focused on Kimmel taking down the temperature of his monologue due to serious FCC threats.
On Wednesday afternoon, FCC chair Brendan Carr threatened to pull ABC affiliate broadcast licenses, which further escalated the situation. This threat was a serious concern for ABC, according to a source familiar with the situation.
Nexstar, the station group airing "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" in approximately two dozen markets, announced they would not air the show. Disney executives had conversations with Kimmel about toning down the temperature of his monologue, and Nexstar's announcement came at the same time.
The issue under consideration was not just about Kimmel, but also about the safety of employees and the show's advertisers. Following Carr's remarks, Disney employees and staff members on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" began to receive death threats.
Kimmel has a longstanding, positive relationship with ABC and is highly regarded within the company. However, the suspension of his show has raised questions about his future with the network. Kimmel's contract is up at the end of his current season, taking him through May 2026.
Despite the suspension, Kimmel has not yet spoken publicly about the situation. CNN reached out to Kimmel's representatives for comment, but ABC did not respond to CNN's request for comment regarding the future of the show.
The guests for Thursday, March 23 included Shaquille O'Neal, Noah Hawley, and Mondo Cozmo. The suspension of the show is not just about Jimmy Kimmel Live, but affects all of ABC and all of its shows and employees.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact Kimmel, ABC, and the late-night talk show landscape.
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