ABC has pulled late-night host Jimmy Kimmel off air indefinitely over comments he made about the shooting of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk.
Jimmy Kimmel Live will be pre-empted indefinitely, a spokesperson for the Disney-owned network said in a statement. Kimmel did not comment to the BBC as he emerged shortly afterwards from the television studio in Los Angeles.
Earlier this week, Kimmel said during his show that the Maga gang was trying to score political points off Kirk's killing.
A 22-year-old suspect appeared in court on Tuesday charged with aggravated murder over last week's shooting of the 31-year-old conservative activist.
Kimmel's monologue on Monday provoked criticism, including from FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who described Kimmel's remarks as the sickest conduct possible and called for action from Disney.
He noted that an apology from Kimmel would be a very reasonable, minimal step. However, the Writers Guild of America condemned Kimmel's suspension, calling it a violation of free speech rights.
Kimmel's comments have reignited debates about censorship, and while he maintains his supporters, there are voices from the political spectrum urging for accountability regarding his conduct.
Ultimately, this incident not only raises questions about Kimmel's future in late-night television but also reflects the changing dynamics of media responsibility in a highly polarized environment.
