Network caves after backlash over Kimmel’s attack on conservatives following the tragic murder of activist Charlie Kirk.
ABC announced it is pulling “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from its schedule indefinitely after Nexstar Media Group, one of the largest station owners in the country, refused to air the show in response to the late-night host’s inflammatory remarks about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Nexstar, which owns and partners with dozens of ABC affiliates nationwide, issued a statement Wednesday making its stance clear: “Owned and partner television stations affiliated with the ABC Television Network will preempt ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ for the foreseeable future, beginning with tonight’s show.” The company said it “strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets.”
The controversy stems from Kimmel’s Monday night monologue, where he mocked conservatives for speaking out after Kirk’s murder. “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang trying to characterize this kid who killed Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them,” Kimmel said.
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and a leading voice for young conservatives, was gunned down on September 10 during a debate at Utah Valley University. Just days later, police announced the arrest of a suspect in the case.
Instead of honoring Kirk’s life or condemning political violence, Kimmel used the tragedy as a chance to smear conservatives on national television. His comments sparked outrage, with Nexstar taking decisive action to protect viewers from what it described as deeply offensive and inappropriate rhetoric.
The decision to sideline Kimmel highlights the growing frustration with Hollywood elites who use their platforms to belittle conservatives—even in the face of a horrific crime. While many Americans continue to mourn Kirk’s loss, Kimmel chose partisanship over compassion, a move that backfired as his show is now pulled from the airwaves indefinitely.
