ABC Suspends Jimmy Kimmel Live! Indefinitely Amid Controversy and FCC Pressure
Jimmy Kimmel's show was indefinitely suspended by ABC following controversial comments about a murder case, sparking FCC threats, celebrity protests, and significant subscriber backlash against Disney.
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Overview
- Jimmy Kimmel's show was indefinitely suspended by ABC and Nexstar Media due to controversial comments linking a killer to the MAGA movement, sparking accusations of politicizing a murder case.
- The suspension followed threats of FCC action from Chair Brendan Carr and pressure from the Trump administration; Kimmel is reportedly furious and refuses to apologize for his statements.
- The suspension sparked widespread backlash, including former Disney CEO Michael Eisner criticizing Disney, Damon Lindelof threatening to quit, and celebrities urging Disney+ cancellations.
- Disney faces significant subscriber losses and social media protests under #CancelDisneyPlus, as fans and the Writers Guild of America protest the suspension, citing free speech infringement.
- Separately, an ABC station in Sacramento was struck by gunfire in a drive-by shooting, with no injuries reported; authorities have not confirmed a link to Kimmel's situation.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by highlighting the controversial nature of Jimmy Kimmel's suspension, emphasizing former Disney CEO Michael Eisner's strong criticism of the move as an attack on free speech and "out-of-control intimidation." They connect the suspension to external pressures, such as Nexstar Media's pending merger requiring FCC approval, and underscore public outcry and protests against what is perceived as an infringement on freedom of expression.
"The 'suspending indefinitely' of Jimmy Kimmel immediately after the Chairman of the FCC's aggressive yet hollow threatening of the Disney Company is yet another example of out-of-control intimidation."
USA TODAY"Gunfire strikes ABC10 building amid outrage over 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' suspension."
USA TODAY"The decision prompted social media users to post pictures of their cancellation receipts under the hashtags #CancelDisney and #CancelDisneyPlus."
USA TODAY"It’s seen as a positive sign in terms of the show’s potential return to the airwaves with the network not wanting to anger the host or his team as they remain in discussions."
Deadline"Eisner made it clear he disagreed with ABC's decision."
CBS News"Officers responded to reports of shots fired at the TV station shortly after 1:30 pm Friday."
Deadline"Disney is under siege from all sides."
NBC News"The choice is complicated by a web of business and regulatory considerations involving ABC’s parent company, other media companies and the Trump administration."
Associated Press"People across the country are calling for a boycott of Disney and Hulu streaming services after ABC pulled Jimmy Kimmel's show from the air indefinitely on Sept. 17."
USA TODAY"Late night talk show hosts warned about the future of free speech in the U.S. on Thursday, a day after ABC pulled Jimmy Kimmel's show off the air under pressure from the Trump administration."
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FAQ
Jimmy Kimmel made controversial comments linking the murder of Charlie Kirk to the MAGA movement, which sparked accusations of politicizing the case and led to his show's indefinite suspension by ABC.
The FCC, led by Chair Brendan Carr, threatened action over the broadcast content, and there was pressure from the Trump administration, which contributed significantly to ABC's decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel's show.
The suspension sparked backlash including criticism from former Disney CEO Michael Eisner, threats from Damon Lindelof to quit Disney projects, celebrity calls to cancel Disney+ subscriptions, and protests by fans and the Writers Guild of America citing free speech infringement.
As of now, authorities have not confirmed any link between the drive-by shooting at an ABC station in Sacramento and the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel's suspension.
Supporters of Jimmy Kimmel have protested outside Disney studios in Southern California holding signs advocating for 'free speech' in opposition to the suspension of his late-night show.
History
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