On September 17, 2025, late-night television was shaken. ABC abruptly pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live from its schedule following controversial comments Jimmy Kimmel made about conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The fallout has raised questions about free speech, broadcast standards, and whether Kimmel’s future at ABC is in jeopardy.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Comments Spark Controversy
The controversy stems from Kimmel’s Monday night monologue. In it, he delivered remarks about Charlie Kirk that critics, including FCC officials, deemed inappropriate for broadcast. According to The New York Times, Disney-owned ABC pulled the show indefinitely after the segment. This signaled how seriously the network viewed the situation.
CNBC reported that the controversy centers on a pointed joke referencing Kirk’s political influence, which critics described as crossing a line into personal attack. While Kimmel is known for provocative humor, this remark drew unusually swift backlash, particularly from political and regulatory figures.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr Condemns Kimmel
The situation escalated when FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr criticized Kimmel directly. NBC News reported that Carr blasted the remarks. He called them “deeply troubling” for a nationally broadcast program. Carr suggested that broadcasters have a duty to maintain standards, particularly during primetime hours.
Meanwhile, USA Today’s For the Win noted that ABC replaced Kimmel’s slot with reruns of other programming while it reviews the incident. This preemption underscores how uncertain the show’s future has become in the immediate aftermath.
ABC and Disney’s Response
Reuters confirmed that ABC announced an indefinite halt to Jimmy Kimmel Live. This decision was made after an internal review. Disney, ABC’s parent company, has so far avoided specifying whether this amounts to a suspension or a permanent cancellation.
The network’s move comes amid heightened scrutiny of late-night hosts, who often balance comedy with political commentary. This incident raises new questions about where the line lies between satire and offensive speech, especially when political figures are the target.
What’s Next for Kimmel?
While fans are asking “what did Jimmy Kimmel do” and “was Jimmy Kimmel fired,” the answer remains unclear. ABC has not confirmed if the show is canceled permanently or if this is a temporary suspension. For now, Jimmy Kimmel Live is off the air, leaving the host’s future uncertain.
Kimmel, who has hosted the show since 2003, has not publicly commented on the controversy. Whether ABC reinstates him or decides to end his long-running tenure will likely depend on ongoing internal discussions and the level of public backlash.
As of now, one fact is clear: Jimmy Kimmel’s comments about Charlie Kirk have led to one of the most significant crises in his career, putting both his show and his reputation in jeopardy.
Conclusion: The question on everyone’s mind—what did Jimmy Kimmel say about Charlie Kirk?—may not have a straightforward answer beyond the fact that it was provocative enough to draw swift condemnation and push ABC to act. For late-night television, this moment marks another flashpoint in the ongoing debate about comedy, politics, and accountability on national broadcast platforms.
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