Jimmy Kimmel Live! suspended indefinitely, crew continued paid amid political backlash

Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show, 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!', was suspended indefinitely by ABC after he made controversial comments about the recent shooting of conservative figure Charlie Kirk, insinuating the suspected shooter was affiliated with the Republican 'MAGA gang' and criticizing President Trump's response. Despite the show's suspension and the crew seen packing up the studio, Disney and ABC have decided that the show's staff will continue to be paid through at least the following week while discussions about the program's future remain ongoing but unresolved. The suspension came amid pressure from ABC's affiliate groups and the Federal Communications Commission, including public calls from FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, signaling significant political and regulatory tensions. Disney executives and Kimmel have been in talks since the suspension, but no agreement has yet been reached, and Kimmel has expressed unwillingness to apologize for his remarks. The network has replaced the show in its ABC-affiliated markets, and the situation highlights broader concerns about media freedom and political influence under the current Trump administration. The fate of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' remains uncertain as stakeholders navigate these complex pressures.