What Happened to Jimmy Kimmel?
The question dominating entertainment and political headlines this week is simple: What happened to Jimmy Kimmel?
The longtime host of Jimmy Kimmel Live was suddenly suspended by ABC after comments he made about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death. The move shocked staffers, celebrity guests, and millions of viewers who tuned in expecting his usual late-night monologue. Instead, ABC announced the show would be “preempted indefinitely.”
This has fueled rumors:
- Was Jimmy Kimmel fired?
- Is Jimmy Kimmel canceled for good?
- Why was Jimmy Kimmel suspended?
The answers are complicated, tied not only to his remarks but also to pressure from the FCC, political figures, and Disney’s corporate leadership.
What Did Jimmy Kimmel Say About Charlie Kirk?
The controversy stems from Kimmel’s September 15 monologue about the assassination of Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University. Prosecutors charged 22-year-old Tyler Robinson with the crime, citing political disagreements as a potential motive.
Kimmel, a vocal critic of Donald Trump and the MAGA movement, accused conservatives of exploiting the tragedy for political gain:
“The MAGA gang is desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it,” Kimmel said.
He added that Trump’s public reaction resembled “how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish” rather than a serious response to the murder of a friend.
These Jimmy Kimmel comments about Charlie Kirk immediately went viral. Conservative commentators claimed Kimmel had falsely implied Robinson was a pro-Trump Republican, even though later evidence showed Robinson leaned left and viewed Kirk as “full of hate.”
This detail turned Kimmel’s words into a political firestorm, with critics calling for ABC to act.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr Threatens Action
Normally, late-night controversies fade within days. But this time, the Federal Communications Commission intervened.
Brendan Carr, FCC chairman, told podcaster Benny Johnson that the agency could revoke ABC affiliate licenses unless Disney punished Kimmel.
“This is a very, very serious issue for Disney,” Carr said. “They have a licence granted by us at the FCC, and that comes with an obligation to operate in the public interest.”
This marked one of the most aggressive moves by the FCC against a late-night host in recent memory. Media analysts quickly noted that Carr’s comments echoed political talking points rather than regulatory precedent. Still, his words carried real weight, especially for affiliate owners like Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, who rely on FCC approval to operate.
Nexstar and Sinclair Push Back Against Kimmel
Within hours of Carr’s remarks, Nexstar, which owns multiple ABC affiliates, announced it would stop broadcasting Jimmy Kimmel Live “for the foreseeable future.” The company criticized Kimmel’s “insensitive remarks” and positioned itself as defending community standards.
Sinclair Broadcast Group and Tegna also faced pressure to reconsider airing the program. Media observers pointed out that these groups have historically leaned conservative, raising questions about whether political alignment influenced their decisions.
The pressure campaign worked. By Wednesday, ABC itself announced the indefinite suspension.
Disney, ABC, and the Corporate Dilemma
For Disney, ABC’s parent company, the Kimmel suspension came at a sensitive time. CEO Bob Iger has faced criticism from both the left and right over how the company handles political controversies.
- Conservatives have boycotted Disney over cultural issues, pushing hashtags like #BoycottDisney.
- Progressives accuse Disney of caving to political pressure, undermining freedom of speech.
- Investors worry about how controversies affect Disney stock, already under strain from streaming losses and theme park challenges.
By suspending Kimmel, ABC and Disney attempted to contain the fallout. But the move also raised accusations that the company silenced one of its most prominent hosts to avoid political retaliation.
Trump and MAGA Celebrate Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension
Former President Donald Trump wasted no time celebrating Kimmel’s downfall. On Truth Social, he wrote:
“Great news for America: The ratings-challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that’s possible.”
Trump also took shots at fellow late-night hosts:
- Stephen Colbert, whose Late Show was canceled earlier this year.
- Seth Meyers, who remains on NBC but struggles with ratings.
- Jimmy Fallon, often criticized for being too soft on Trump in the past.
Trump’s message was clear: conservative critics see the suspension as a political victory.
Hollywood and Viewer Reactions
Inside ABC, the suspension left staff stunned. Celebrity guests were already en route to the Jimmy Kimmel Live studio when the cancellation hit. Audience members waiting outside were told to go home.
One couple visiting from Virginia told CNN:
- “What about freedom of speech? Why would his show be canceled for Jimmy Kimmel expressing his opinion?”
- “Wake up America. We’re getting stuck on stupid.”
In Hollywood, publicists and producers privately worried about what this meant for political comedy. Could late-night hosts still criticize politicians without fearing FCC retaliation?
Is Jimmy Kimmel Fired or Just Suspended?
So far, ABC insists that Jimmy Kimmel Live is suspended, not canceled. But the distinction is murky.
- Is Jimmy Kimmel fired? Officially, no.
- Has Jimmy Kimmel been canceled? For now, yes—the show is off the air.
- Did Jimmy Kimmel get canceled for good? ABC has not announced a return date, fueling speculation.
- Why was Jimmy Kimmel canceled? Because of his Charlie Kirk remarks and the political pressure that followed.
With his contract set to expire in 2026, insiders wonder if Disney will simply run out the clock instead of bringing him back.
Late-Night Talk Shows in Decline
Kimmel’s suspension is part of a larger trend: the decline of late-night television.
- Stephen Colbert’s Late Show was canceled earlier this year, officially for financial reasons but rumored to be politically motivated.
- Jimmy Fallon has struggled with declining ratings and past controversies.
- Seth Meyers pulls modest numbers on NBC.
- Even Jimmy Kimmel ratings have dropped—averaging 1.1 million viewers per episode in August 2025, down 11% from the previous month.
With streaming platforms and social media dominating younger audiences, traditional late-night shows are fighting to survive.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Career, Salary, and Net Worth
Jimmy Kimmel, born in Brooklyn and raised in Las Vegas, began in radio before transitioning to television. Since launching Jimmy Kimmel Live in 2003, he has become a staple of American pop culture.
Career highlights include:
- Hosting the Academy Awards multiple times.
- Hosting Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, which earned him an Emmy.
- Producing viral comedy segments like “Mean Tweets.”
Financially, Kimmel is among the richest late-night hosts:
- Jimmy Kimmel salary: estimated $15 million annually.
- Jimmy Kimmel net worth: over $50 million.
Even if ABC parts ways with him, Kimmel’s influence and financial security ensure he won’t disappear from the spotlight.
The Free Speech Debate: Was Jimmy Kimmel Silenced?
The heart of the controversy lies in whether Kimmel’s suspension represents a threat to free speech.
Supporters argue:
- Comedy and political satire should be protected speech.
- Punishing a late-night host for criticizing Trump sets a dangerous precedent.
- Freedom of speech includes commentary that may offend some viewers.
Critics counter:
- Kimmel’s comments misrepresented facts about Charlie Kirk’s killer.
- Networks have a responsibility to avoid “insensitive” remarks.
- ABC and Disney acted in the public interest by suspending him.
This debate mirrors broader cultural battles in America over media, politics, and corporate influence.
What Happens Next?
For now, the future of Jimmy Kimmel Live remains uncertain. Possible scenarios include:
- Return to air — ABC brings Kimmel back after the outrage cools.
- Quiet exit — Disney lets Kimmel’s contract expire without renewal.
- Permanent cancellation — ABC officially ends the show, citing ratings and controversy.
Whatever happens, this saga has already reshaped conversations about late-night hosts, political comedy, and the boundaries of free speech.
As one publicist put it:
“I cannot believe this is real life.”
