Washington, D.C. – September 18, 2025 – In a dramatic escalation of tensions between late-night television and conservative media figures, ABC has placed Jimmy Kimmel Live! on indefinite suspension following host Jimmy Kimmel’s on-air monologue that contained false information about the suspect in the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The controversy erupted earlier this week when Kimmel, during a segment on his show, incorrectly stated that Tyler Robinson—the 28-year-old progressive transgender activist arrested in connection with Kirk’s fatal stabbing outside a Turning Point USA event in Phoenix on September 15—had ties to the MAGA movement. Robinson, who has been vocal in her opposition to former President Donald Trump’s policies and the broader conservative agenda, was charged by Arizona authorities with first-degree murder and hate-crime enhancements.
Kimmel’s remarks, intended as satirical commentary on political divisions, instead misidentified Robinson’s affiliations, sparking widespread accusations of spreading dangerous misinformation.
The suspension was announced late Thursday by ABC News President Kim Godwin, who cited the need to “review internal processes for fact-checking and editorial standards” in light of the incident. Sources familiar with the decision told reporters that the move came after intense pressure from federal regulators and broadcast affiliates. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, issued a stern warning to ABC parent company Disney, threatening investigations into potential violations of broadcast decency rules and the promotion of “deceptive content that could incite public unrest.”
Compounding the issue, major ABC affiliates owned by Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group announced they would preempt future episodes of the show in their markets, citing concerns over advertiser backlash and viewer trust. Sinclair, which operates in over 180 markets and has a history of conservative-leaning programming, went further by scheduling a one-hour tribute special to Kirk for Friday evening. The special, titled Remembering Charlie Kirk: A Voice for Freedom, will feature interviews with Kirk’s family, fellow activists, and political allies, airing in place of Kimmel’s slot.
Conservative commentators and organizations swiftly praised the suspension as a necessary step to combat “liberal bias and fake news” in mainstream media. Turning Point USA co-founder Candace Owens tweeted: “Finally, accountability for the left’s smear machine. Jimmy Kimmel’s lies endangered lives—good riddance.” The incident has also reignited debates over FCC oversight of broadcast content, with Republican lawmakers calling for broader reforms to penalize perceived misinformation.
On the other side of the aisle, liberal voices decried the decision as a chilling assault on free speech and journalistic independence. Media watchdog group Media Matters for America issued a statement accusing ABC of “caving to right-wing intimidation tactics,” while comedian and late-night host Stephen Colbert quipped on his own show: “If joking about politics gets you suspended, I’ll see you all in the unemployment line.” Critics argue that the rapid response from affiliates like Sinclair—known for its pro-Trump editorial stances—raises questions about conflicts of interest in the broadcast industry.
Kirk, 31, was a prominent figure in conservative circles, founding Turning Point USA in 2012 to promote free-market principles and counter liberal activism on college campuses. His death has been widely mourned by right-wing influencers, with vigils held across the country and calls for enhanced security at political events. According to court documents, Robinson’s motive stemmed from her long-standing opposition to Kirk’s anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, though no evidence has linked her to MAGA supporters.
As of now, ABC has not set a timeline for the show’s return, and Kimmel has remained silent on the matter. Representatives for both the host and Disney declined to comment further, leaving viewers and industry watchers to speculate on the future of late-night comedy in an increasingly polarized media landscape.
