Jimmy Kimmel taken off air over Charlie Kirk comments

In a dramatic turn of events, ABC has indefinitely suspended ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ following the host’s controversial remarks about the shooting of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk. The decision, announced by the Disney-owned network, has sparked widespread debate over freedom of speech and the role of media in public discourse. Kimmel, known for his sharp political commentary, had criticized the ‘Maga gang’ for politicizing Kirk’s death and mocked President Donald Trump’s reaction to the tragedy. His comments, made during a monologue earlier this week, were deemed ‘offensive and insensitive’ by Nexstar Media, one of the largest TV station owners in the U.S., which also pulled the show from its lineup. President Trump celebrated the suspension, calling it ‘great news for America,’ while FCC Chair Brendan Carr praised Nexstar for ‘doing the right thing.’ However, the decision has drawn criticism from various quarters, including the Writers Guild of America and Sag-Aftra, which condemned it as a violation of free speech. Kimmel, who has not been fired, is expected to discuss his return with network executives. The suspension comes amid a broader shift in late-night television, with CBS recently announcing the end of ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ next year. As the industry grapples with changing viewer habits and political pressures, the future of traditional network programming remains uncertain.