Kimmel’s Monologue That Cost Him the Airwaves

18 September 2025

Jimmy Kimmel; Charlie Kirk. Disney/Randy Holmes; PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty

On September 15, 2025 Jimmy Kimmel opened Jimmy Kimmel Live! with a monologue about the killing of political commentator Charlie Kirk, who was shot on September 10 at a Utah Valley University event. Kimmel’s remarks drew sharp national attention and prompted ABC to suspend the show indefinitely after affiliates voiced strong objections.

Kimmel began by condemning the responses he saw from certain political actors to Kirk’s death. He referred to “the MAGA gang” and accused them of trying to “characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.” He said they were trying “to score political points” rather than genuinely mourning. Meanwhile he contrasted that behavior with what he considered more appropriate reactions to such a tragedy.

A particularly pointed target in Kimmel’s critique was former President Donald Trump. Kimmel mocked Trump’s reaction when asked how he was handling Kirk’s death, noting that Trump had brought up construction of a new ballroom at the White House in the same breath as expressing condolences. Kimmel showed a clip of Trump standing among construction equipment, describing plans for the $200 million ballroom, calling it a “beauty.” Kimmel then quipped “he’s at the fourth stage of grief: construction.” The comparison implied that Trump’s priorities seemed misaligned with grieving or empathy.

Kimmel also drew a broader picture of how grief and political spectacle are often entangled. He suggested that in the face of violence the public conversation frequently shifts toward blame, symbolism and political positioning instead of addressing grief, justice or meaning. His frustration at that shift came through in his tone. At moments he paused between praise for genuine mourning and criticism of what he saw as disingenuous performance.

His remarks generated immediate backlash. One major complaint came from Nexstar Media Group, which owns many ABC affiliate stations. Nexstar called his comments “offensive and insensitive.” It announced that it would stop airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! on its stations “for the foreseeable future.”

ABC itself announced the indefinite suspension of the show. The decision came amid pressure from affiliate owners and public controversy over Kimmel’s characterization of political reactions and his mocking tone. Key figures in the regulatory space including the FCC chair also criticized the remarks, raising concerns about whether the commentary violated obligations around public discourse.

Kimmel had expressed condolences for those directly affected by Kirk’s death including family members. Even so many viewers found the juxtaposition of those condolences with his sharper criticisms deeply polarizing. Critics say the tone veered too close to political prosecution in comedy, while defenders argue that satire and social commentary are part of late night host duties.

The suspension reflects how volatile political commentary has become in the media landscape. What may once have been part of standard fare for late night comedians poking at political figures, critiquing responses, offering social commentary has now become a flashpoint with real consequences. The decision by ABC and affiliates to pull the show underscores how media platforms are increasingly risk-averse when it comes to statements that are seen as controversial, especially those involving political violence or public figures.

In the end Kimmel’s monologue serves as a case study in how speech, satire, and responsibility intersect under today’s polarized political climate. His goal appeared to be to critique what he saw as opportunism around tragedy. But the fallout shows how fragile that balance is. In times of grief and political crisis many audiences and institutions demand caution, respect and clarity especially when critique might touch on themes of violence, political identity, or blame.