**Jimmy Kimmel Suspended Indefinitely After Controversial Comments About Charlie Kirk Assassination**

*Published: September 18, 2025, 5:15 p.m. ET*

The abrupt removal of Jimmy Kimmel from the airwaves should serve as a “chilling” warning to other topical comedians, an entertainment insider exclusively told RadarOnline.com. This development comes after Kimmel was “suspended indefinitely” following his controversial comments about the alleged assassination of political commentator Charlie Kirk.

Kimmel and his self-titled late-night talk show, *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*, have both been silenced by ABC since the host accused Kirk’s alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, of being affiliated with the MAGA movement during one of his opening monologues.

Following this, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) threatened action against the network, and several local affiliates announced they would no longer air new episodes of the program. In response, Disney decided to bench the 57-year-old host outright.

Grayce McCormick, founder of Lightfinder Public Relations, explained to RadarOnline.com that the company likely had little choice in the matter.

> “From Disney’s perspective, pulling the show was a classic crisis-containment move,” she said. “With affiliates refusing carriage and an FCC official weighing in, the network was facing both business and regulatory risks.

> “In that light, suspension is less about the joke itself and more about protecting distribution and shareholder interests.”

### First Amendment Concerns

On a broader scale, McCormick warned that the swift and stunning action against Kimmel could have long-lasting effects on how the First Amendment is interpreted.

> “Culturally, the optics are chilling: it signals to comedians that the boundaries of humor are no longer defined solely by advertisers and audiences, but also by affiliates and political pressure,” she added.

> “That precedent will make other performers second-guess whether satire is worth the risk.”

She noted that with the nation already politically tense, Kimmel’s comments became a flashpoint.

> “His comments landed in the immediate aftermath of a high-profile tragedy, triggering a backlash amplified by right-wing political figures and affiliates.

> “That convergence turned one edgy monologue into a crisis of distribution and optics.”

### The Controversial Comments

Kimmel’s controversial remarks came during his Monday evening opening monologue, when he said:

> “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”

The comments quickly reached FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who threatened “immediate action” against Kimmel, ABC, and Disney for “deliberately misleading the public” by claiming that Robinson held deep GOP beliefs.

On Wednesday, September 17, Carr appeared on Benny Johnson’s podcast, calling the comments “truly sick” and insisting they should result in Kimmel’s immediate suspension. Carr emphasized that networks are required to hold a broadcasting license granted by the FCC, which comes with a responsibility to operate in the public interest.

### Jimmy Kimmel’s Reaction

According to sources, Kimmel is “absolutely f—— livid” with ABC after his show was canceled just hours before he was due to go on air, and he is refusing to apologize. One producer described the crew as “wandering around like aimless cows,” adding:

> “I’ve never seen Jimmy this angry.”

Reports also suggest Kimmel has threatened to “break his relationship” with Disney forever.

### What’s Next for Kimmel?

Despite the current setback, Kimmel may still have the ultimate last laugh. RadarOnline.com has learned that the comedian is considering sharing his side of the story on *The Late Show* with Stephen Colbert, who was recently axed by CBS.

As this story develops, it highlights the complex intersection of comedy, politics, and corporate interests in today’s media landscape.
https://radaronline.com/p/jimmy-kimmel-removal-signal-comics-political-pressure/

**Jimmy Kimmel Suspended Indefinitely Following Controversial Comments on Charlie Kirk Assassination**

*Published: September 18, 2025, 5:15 p.m. ET*

The abrupt removal of Jimmy Kimmel from the airwaves serves as a chilling warning to other topical comedians, according to an entertainment insider speaking exclusively to RadarOnline.com. The late-night host was “suspended indefinitely” after making controversial remarks about the alleged assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Kimmel and his self-titled late-night talk show, *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*, have both been silenced by ABC following his accusation that Tyler Robinson—the alleged killer—was part of the MAGA movement. This claim was made during one of his opening monologues.

The controversy escalated quickly. After the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) threatened action against ABC, and several local affiliates announced they would not air new episodes of the show, Disney made the decision to bench the 57-year-old host outright.

**A Crisis-Containment Move**

Grayce McCormick, founder of Lightfinder Public Relations, told RadarOnline.com that Disney had little choice in the matter. “From Disney’s perspective, pulling the show was a classic crisis-containment move,” she explained. “With affiliates refusing carriage and an FCC official weighing in, the network was facing both business and regulatory risks.”

She added, “In that light, suspension is less about the joke itself and more about protecting distribution and shareholder interests.”

**First Amendment Concerns**

McCormick also highlighted the broader implications of the swift action taken against Kimmel. She warned that it could have lasting effects on the interpretation of the First Amendment.

“Culturally, the optics are chilling: it signals to comedians that the boundaries of humor are no longer defined solely by advertisers and audiences, but also by affiliates and political pressure,” McCormick said. “That precedent will make other performers second-guess whether satire is worth the risk.”

She noted that with the nation already highly polarized, Kimmel’s remarks became a flashpoint. “His comments landed in the immediate aftermath of a high-profile tragedy, triggering a backlash amplified by right-wing political figures and affiliates. That convergence turned one edgy monologue into a crisis of distribution and optics.”

**Controversial Comments Spark Backlash**

Kimmel’s controversial statements were made during his Monday evening opening monologue:

> “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”

These comments caught the attention of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who threatened “immediate action” against Kimmel, ABC, and Disney for “deliberately misleading the public” by claiming Robinson was buried knee-deep in GOP beliefs.

On Wednesday, September 17, Carr appeared on Benny Johnson’s podcast, calling Kimmel’s comments “truly sick” and stating they should result in the host’s immediate suspension. Carr explained that networks require licenses granted by the FCC to broadcast, which come with a responsibility to operate in the public interest.

**Jimmy Kimmel’s Reaction**

Sources say Kimmel is “absolutely f—— livid” with ABC after being pulled from the air just hours before his scheduled broadcast, and he is refusing to apologize.

One of the show’s producers described the atmosphere behind the scenes: crew members were “wandering around like aimless cows,” adding, “I’ve never seen Jimmy this angry.”

Kimmel has reportedly even threatened to “break his relationship” with Disney permanently.

In what could be the ultimate last laugh, RadarOnline.com has learned that Kimmel is contemplating revealing his side of the story on CBS star Stephen Colbert’s *The Late Show*, which recently faced cancellation.
https://radaronline.com/p/jimmy-kimmel-removal-signal-comics-political-pressure/