It was announced yesterday, September 17, that the popular late-night host’s program, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” has been pulled from ABC’s lineup by the station and placed on an indefinite hiatus. The news appears to be a result of Kimmel’s reaction to the death of Charlie Kirk, a podcaster and media personality who was fatally shot while speaking at a college in Utah.
The same night of the cancellation, TMZ spotted Kimmel climbing into an SUV dressed in a hat and casual plaid shirt.
What Did Jimmy Kimmel Say About Charlie Kirk, Exactly?
Kimmel’s comments mainly centered on how Donald Trump, who the BBC says was a former close associate of the podcaster, reacted to Kirk’s death. The show played a clip of Trump telling the media he was holding up “very good” in the wake of the shooting before quickly changing the subject to the construction of a new White House ballroom.
People says Kimmel joked about Trump’s reaction to the incident.
The comedian didn’t share his own opinions on Charlie Kirk or his message, and stayed more focused on how things unfolded in the White House interview with Trump. The full monologue can be seen in the video above.
USA Today says ABC, which is owned by Disney, cited “harsh criticism from the head of the head of the Federal Communications Commission” of Kimmel’s comments as the reason for the cancellation.
Fans Rallied Behind Beloved Host After Jimmy Kimmel Was ‘Fired’
Kimmel’s loyal fans are not taking the news of his cancellation well. One declared in the TMZ Instagram comments, “If you stand with Jimmy, stop watching ABC.”
Another simply wrote, “We love you Jimmy!”
“We love you, Jimmy. Wishing a bigger and better opportunity comes up for you and your staff!” chimed in someone else.
Several of Kimmel’s famous peers in Hollywood have spoken out to support him as well. Comedian Kathy Griffin declared it is “very important to have Jimmy Kimmel’s back right now.”
Wanda Sykes said she was disappointed about the news and asked fans to pray for the TV star.
“Scandal” star Kerry Washington has also weighed in, praising his “kindness, integrity, and generosity.”
Ben Stiller shared a simple statement: “This isn’t right.”
It is yet to be seen whether the cancellation of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is permanent. The development comes in the wake of another popular talk show, “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” being yanked from the air. It was formerly broadcast on CBS.
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