ABC has yanked late-night host Jimmy Kimmel off the air indefinitely after his on-air remarks about the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk sparked backlash.
The Disney-owned network confirmed on Wednesday that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will be “pre-empted indefinitely.”
Kimmel had said during Monday’s monologue that the “MAGA gang” was trying to use Kirk’s death for political points, a comment that drew strong criticism from conservatives.
President Donald Trump quickly celebrated the suspension, calling it “great news for America.” He later wrote online: “The ratings-challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done.”
Kimmel, who has hosted the show since 2003 and fronted the Oscars four times, did not speak to reporters as he left the Los Angeles studio after the announcement.
The comedian had also mocked Trump’s reaction to Kirk’s death, comparing it to “a four-year-old mourning a goldfish.” He had earlier condemned the shooting on Instagram and sent “love” to Kirk’s family.
A 22-year-old suspect has been charged with aggravated murder in connection with the shooting.
Fans queued outside the Hollywood studio expressed disappointment, with one visitor, Janna Blackwell, calling the suspension “ridiculous” and “bizarre.” A small protest even broke out outside the studio, with signs reading “Trump must go now.”
Hollywood stars also rushed to Kimmel’s defense. Ben Stiller, Jean Smart, Jamie Lee Curtis, John Legend, Josh Gad, and Alison Brie all condemned the suspension, with Smart calling it “horrifying” and Brie describing it as “unreal and very scary.”
