ABC cancels Jimmy Kimmel's show over controversial remarks about Charlie Kirk's death

 ABC has indefinitely removed Jimmy Kimmel’s talk show from its programming slate following the comedian's recent controversial remarks surrounding the tragic shooting incident involving conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

The show, which has long been a staple of late-night television, will now be replaced by alternative programming as his comments have ignited a firestorm of criticism.

During a monologue, Kimmel suggested that Tyler Robinson, the individual accused of fatally shooting Kirk at a university in Utah, was associated with the controversial Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.

He remarked, “The MAGA gang desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”

This assertion has been met with swift backlash, prompting Nexstar Media, the largest local broadcast and digital media company in the United States, to intervene.

Nexstar expressed its firm disapproval of Kimmel's comments, labelling them "offensive and insensitive," especially at what they deemed a "critical time in our national political discourse."

In a statement, Andrew Alford, the president of Nexstar's broadcasting division, articulated the company's stance, indicating that the decision to pull Kimmel’s show aims to restore “respectful, constructive dialogue” across communities.

Several critics have voiced concerns over Kimmel’s remarks, labelling them as politically charged and further fuelling divisive rhetoric.

Alford stated, "Continuing to give Mr. Kimmel a broadcast platform in the communities we serve is simply not in the public interest at the current time," emphasising the necessity for a more empathetic approach to sensitive issues, particularly those involving loss and violence.

The fallout from Kimmel's comments extends beyond his immediate audience. Brendan Carr, chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has hinted that regulatory action could intervene if the situation does not improve.

In a stark warning relayed to podcaster Benny Johnson, he stated, “We can do this the easy way or the hard way,” suggesting that broadcasters could face scrutiny from the FCC should they not take action against remarks deemed inappropriate.

The sudden suspension of Kimmel’s show reflects the growing polarisation in media and public discourse in the United States. As Nexstar seeks to navigate through these turbulent waters, they remain hopeful that this decision will facilitate a cooling of tempers and encourage a return to a more civilised discussion.

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