Backlash from Kimmel's Comments
Earlier this week, on the show's social media page, Kimmel marked the circumstance of Kirk's death by shutting down the reaction of right-wing fans, who he called the "Maga gang" for using Kirk's killing to make political hay. He criticized the lowering of flags in Kirk's honour, mocking President Donald J. Trump and saying, "It was as if a four-year-old who loses a goldfish, got in trouble with their parents."
Kirk, a 31-year-old right-wing figure, was shot Sunday night. Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with aggravated murder. Charging documents also noted that Robinson's family said he had recently changed his views on progressive issues. Although Tyler Robinson's mother suggested he had become politically engaged, he has been noted as not being a member of any political party and not voting in the last elections.
Kimmel initially tweeted in remorse and denounced the shooting, extending sympathy to the Kirk family. A motive for the shooter has not been communicated.
Competing Visit by Networks
The suspension has drawn praise and backlash. Former President Donald Trump mentioned on his social media channel that it was "great news for America," and criticized all late-night hosts, like Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, and Seth Meyers. He branded Kimmel's show "ratings challenged."
Brendan Carr, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, was critical of Kimmel's comments, branding them the "sickest conduct imaginable," which could have potentially led to Disney's actions. Carr's fellow commissioner, Anna Gomez, opposed Carr's view and warned that political violence should not censor speech. Other organizations affiliated with the entertainment industry, like the Writers Guild of America, strongly condemned any suspension or cancellation of programming as a potential infringement on D1.
Several outlets of the major broadcasters, like Nexstar Media and Sinclair, will not be airing "Jimmy Kimmel Live" at this time. Nexstar said Kimmel's monologue was "offensive and insensitive" and plans to have a remembrance for Kirk during Kimmel's timeslot. Sinclair also announced it would conduct programming to honour Kirk.
Future of the Show
Someone close to the network said that Kimmel has not been fired and ABC wants to speak with him sometime before placing him back. To emphasize, Kimmel's situation follows a trend with more viewership to streaming services rather than television. CBS announced a few days ago that "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" would end after next season, after 11 seasons of airing; however, CBS executives are adamant that the action was not related to the performance or content of the show.
Kimmel, who hosted the Academy Awards and has feuded with Trump, had left the studio quietly after the announcement. A crowd had gathered outside the studio, a small protest was organized and audience members became frustrated that Kimmel's show would not air. One audience member called it "ridiculous."
