**Washington:** ABC indefinitely suspended *Jimmy Kimmel Live* on Wednesday, September 17, following the host’s on-air comments about US President Donald Trump’s reaction to the recent fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The decision has sparked severe criticism online, with many questioning the network’s motives and the implications for free expression in the media.
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### Why ABC Took Jimmy Kimmel Off Air
The Disney-owned broadcaster announced the indefinite pre-emption of *Jimmy Kimmel Live* in a brief statement after backlash over remarks Kimmel made during the show, days after Kirk was shot at a Utah Valley University event.
During the September 15 episode, Kimmel criticized political responses to the killing, particularly targeting Trump supporters. He commented on flags being flown at half-mast in Kirk’s honor and mocked the President’s tribute, saying:
> “This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he calls a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish.”
The clip of Kimmel’s statement quickly went viral on social media.
The late-night host has a history of openly criticizing Trump, including during award shows. Earlier, Kimmel had taken to Instagram to condemn the attack and express sympathy for Kirk’s family.
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### Background on the Incident
Charlie Kirk, 31, a prominent right-wing activist, was fatally shot on September 10. A 22-year-old suspect, Tyler Robinson, has been charged with aggravated murder.
Authorities have not confirmed a motive. However, court documents indicate Robinson had become more politically active and left-leaning over the past year. Recently leaked text messages between Robinson and his transgender roommate—allegedly his lover—purport to show him confessing to the murder.
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### Responses to the Broadcast
Following the episode, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr described Kimmel’s remarks as “the sickest conduct possible” during an interview on *The Benny Show* podcast. Carr urged Disney to take action, warning that failure to do so might lead to further scrutiny from the FCC regarding broadcast license obligations.
In contrast, Anna Gomez, the sole Democratic FCC commissioner, criticized Carr’s stance, cautioning against government power being used to suppress dissenting views. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she wrote:
> “An inexcusable act of political violence by one disturbed individual must never be exploited as justification for broader censorship or control.”
President Donald Trump praised ABC’s suspension decision on his social media platform, Truth Social. He called it “great news for America,” described Kimmel’s program as “ratings challenged,” and criticized other late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers as “two total losers.”
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### Internet Divided Over Show’s Cancellation
Kimmel’s suspension ignited intense debate online.
The X account *Republicans Against Trump* shared the segment clip, commenting:
> “Not a big fan of Jimmy Kimmel, but if you think his show should be cancelled for this, you’re a hack and a total fraud who should never pretend to care about free speech.”
Others pointed out perceived double standards. One user wrote:
> “Fox Entertainment guy who said the homeless should be killed was NOT fired or chastised by the FCC; Jimmy Kimmel comments on Trump’s reaction to Kirk’s murder brings in FCC and show is cancelled. Smells like authoritarianism. US is cooked.”
Some expressed disbelief that Kirk’s shooting was the tipping point for Kimmel’s show cancellation:
> “I don’t get it, Jimmy Kimmel has joked about everyone/everything under the sun. You telling me CHARLIE KIRK is what got his show cancelled?”
Even users who dislike the host lamented the decision. One remarked:
> “I don’t like Jimmy Kimmel. Never watched the show, but I’m not happy he was cancelled. Charlie would have hated that.”
Several drew historical comparisons. One user noted:
> “CBS cancelled the Smothers Brothers show in the late 1960s because they had some anti-Vietnam War content. Somewhat similar to the suspension, and likely firing, of Jimmy Kimmel today.”
A more skeptical view suggested the network used the controversy as an excuse to end the show:
> “My theory on Jimmy Kimmel’s show getting de facto cancelled: His remarks about Tyler Robinson… were just welcome pretext for ABC to end this unprofitable show.”
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Jimmy Kimmel has not yet issued a public statement regarding the suspension.
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**For official updates from the broadcaster, visit:** [X/@abcnetwork](https://x.com/abcnetwork)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/this-smells-like-authoritarianism-internet-defends-jimmy-kimmel-after-abc-pulls-show-over-comments-on-charlie-kirks-death