ABC Pulls Plug on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Amid Fierce Backlash Over Charlie Kirk Comments

ABC's Decision to Pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! Sparks Outrage In a shocking move that has left the entertainment industry reeling, Disney's ABC announced on September 17 that it would be pulling its flagship late-night program, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, from its network indefinitely. The decision came after Nexstar Media, one of the largest owners of TV stations in the U.S., vowed to pre-empt airings of the show due to comments made by host Jimmy Kimmel about Charlie Kirk. The controversy began when Kimmel made a comment on his show criticizing Kirk, a conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA. Nexstar Media took issue with the remark, stating that it was "inconsistent with our values" and vowed to pre-empt future episodes of the show. ABC subsequently decided to pull the plug on the program, citing concerns about its ability to air on stations affiliated with Nexstar. The decision has sparked outrage among industry insiders and politicians alike. Ben Stiller, a longtime friend and collaborator of Kimmel's, took to social media to express his disappointment. "This is an attack on free speech and the First Amendment," Stiller tweeted. "I stand in solidarity with Jimmy and the team at Jimmy Kimmel Live!" Chris Hayes, host of MSNBC's All In with Chris Hayes, also weighed in on the controversy. "ABC's decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! is a clear example of censorship," Hayes said. "It's a chilling reminder that even in the age of cable news, there are still those who seek to silence dissenting voices." California Governor Gavin Newsom also chimed in, stating that he was "deeply troubled" by ABC's decision. "This is not just about Jimmy Kimmel or his show," Newsom said. "It's about the erosion of free speech and the chilling effect it has on public discourse." The controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel Live! highlights the increasingly complex landscape of late-night television. With the rise of cable news and social media, the lines between entertainment and politics have become increasingly blurred. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether ABC will reconsider its decision or find a way to resolve the issue with Nexstar Media. One thing is certain: the debate over free speech and censorship has only just begun. Background Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been a staple of late-night television for over 15 years, known for its irreverent humor and willingness to tackle tough topics. The show's decision to criticize Charlie Kirk sparked a heated debate about the limits of free speech in the entertainment industry. Industry Insights The controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel Live! highlights the delicate balance between creative freedom and commercial considerations. As one industry insider noted, "ABC is caught between its commitment to free speech and the need to maintain relationships with affiliates like Nexstar." Cultural Impact The decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! has sparked a wider conversation about the role of late-night television in shaping public discourse. As Chris Hayes noted, "Late-night TV is one of the few remaining platforms where dissenting voices can be heard. We need to protect that freedom, not silence it." Audience Appeal The controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel Live! has generated widespread attention and debate on social media. Fans of the show have taken to Twitter to express their support for Kimmel and his team, using hashtags like StandWithJimmy and FreeSpeechMatters. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the debate over free speech and censorship will only continue to grow in importance. *Reporting by Variety.*