Jimmy Kimmel is facing backlash over comments he made about the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. On September 17, Sinclair Broadcast Group, the nation’s largest ABC affiliate owner, suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live!indefinitely on its stations.
Kirk, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, was fatally shot on September 10 during a public event at Utah Valley University while discussing gun violence. The attack occurred in front of a crowd that included his wife and children. The suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, has been charged with aggravated murder and other offenses.
Days later, Kimmel mocked Trump’s response to the tragedy, airing a clip in which Trump shifted from offering condolences to discussing White House construction. Kimmel quipped that Trump acted “like a child,” prompting fierce criticism online and from Trump, who demanded Kimmel’s firing.
Sinclair called Kimmel’s remarks insensitive and laid out conditions for the show’s return: a meeting with ABC about accountability, a public apology to Kirk’s family, and a personal donation to both the family and Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA. Kimmel has not yet responded.