ABC network has pulled Jimmy Kimmel’s long-running late-night series off the air. This decision was in response to comments he made about Charlie Kirk’s death.
Jimmy Kimmel had said on Monday night “We had some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA [Make America Great Again] gang. They were desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and with everything they can to score political points from it.”
He went on to criticize Trump’s mourning of Kirk, pointing to a video of Trump’s comments on the White House lawn. He said: “This is how a 4-year-old mourns a goldfish.”
The statement drew widespread criticisms. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr called for local broadcasters to stop airing “Jimmy Kimmel Live”. He also suggested the commission could open an investigation.
ABC network said, “Mr. Kimmel’s comments about the death of Mr Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located”
Trump Hails Decision, Opposition Disagree
US President Donald Trump called the decision “great news for America.” “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 wrote on his social media site, Truth Social.
Opposition Democrats however expressed their displeasure. They described it as a growing attempt by the Trump administration to censor any media views it considers contrary to its point of view.
The only Democratic member of the FCC, Anna Gomez, said that under free speech laws, the body, an independent agency of the US government, should not be able to dictate to broadcasters what they can air.
“This administration is increasingly using the weight of government power to suppress lawful expression,” she told broadcaster CNN.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a vocal Trump critic said “Buying and controlling media platforms. Firing commentators. Canceling shows. These aren’t coincidences. It’s coordinated. And it’s dangerous,” adding: “They are censoring you in real time.”
