Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show remains suspended after comments he made about conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and now Sinclair Broadcast Group—the nation’s largest owner of ABC affiliates—is laying out strict conditions for his return.
In a press release on Sept. 17, Sinclair said it “objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the assassination of Charlie Kirk” and announced that it would indefinitely replace Jimmy Kimmel Live! with other programming across its 30 ABC stations, including major markets like Seattle, Washington D.C., St. Louis, Tulsa, and Portland.
The company said Kimmel must meet several demands before his show is allowed back on air: issue a direct apology to Kirk’s family, hold “formal discussions” with ABC about professionalism and accountability, and make what Sinclair calls a “meaningful personal donation” to Kirk’s family as well as his nonprofit, Turning Point USA.
“Mr. Kimmel’s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country,” Sinclair vice chairman Jason Smith said. “Broadcasters have a responsibility to promote respectful dialogue in our communities.”
Instead of Kimmel’s show, Sinclair affiliates will air a special tribute to Kirk this weekend. The network is also offering the program to other ABC stations nationwide.
Disney’s ABC confirmed the suspension, calling it indefinite. The move followed backlash to Kimmel’s Sept. 15 monologue, where he discussed Kirk’s killing at Utah Valley University just days earlier. Kirk, 31, was shot and killed on Sept. 10, and 22-year-old Tyler Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder.
During the broadcast, Kimmel criticized political reactions to the shooting and played clips of Donald Trump commenting on Kirk’s death, before quipping about Trump being in the “fourth stage of grief: construction.”
Although Kimmel later expressed condolences on social media—calling gun violence “horrible and monstrous” and offering “love to the Kirks”—his critics argue the televised remarks crossed a line.
Sinclair isn’t alone in pulling the plug. Nexstar Media Group, which owns over 200 local TV stations, also preempted Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely, calling his comments “offensive and insensitive.” Nexstar president Andrew Alford said the decision was necessary to “let cooler heads prevail” and to reflect community values.
The controversy has sparked debate over the balance between free speech, respect for grieving families, and the power of major broadcasting companies. While conservative leaders have applauded the suspension, Kimmel has received vocal support from Hollywood colleagues and entertainment unions.
