What Did Jimmy Kimmel Just Say?

Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show has been pulled from the air indefinitely by ABC following his controversial remarks regarding the suspect in the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel implied that the accused shooter, Tyler Robinson, was linked to former President Donald Trump's political movement, which has sparked significant backlash and led to actions from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Last updated: 06 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Jimmy Kimmel made controversial remarks linking Tyler Robinson to Trump’s supporters.
• His comments have led to “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” being pulled indefinitely from ABC.
• The FCC chair has threatened action against Disney and ABC regarding Kimmel’s comments.
• Kimmel has been hosting his show for over 20 years, having debuted in January 2003.
• The incident raises questions about the boundaries of political commentary in entertainment.

Overview of the Incident

During his opening monologue on Monday, Kimmel addressed the murder of Charlie Kirk, suggesting that Robinson, the accused shooter, was part of the MAGA movement. He stated, “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.” His comments were perceived as an attempt to politicise a tragic event, leading to widespread debate about the appropriateness of such statements.

What Did Jimmy Kimmel Say?

In his monologue, Kimmel reflected on the aftermath of Kirk's assassination, stating, “And in between the finger-pointing, there was grieving on Friday. The White House flew the flags at half-staff, which got some criticism, but on a human level, you can see how hard the president is taking this.” He then shifted his focus to a video clip of Donald Trump responding to a reporter’s condolences regarding Kirk’s death.

Trump's response was notably detached, focusing instead on ongoing construction at the White House. Kimmel commented on this, saying, “Yes, he’s at the fourth stage of grief: construction. This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he called a friend. This is how a 4-year-old mourns a goldfish, OK?” This comparison was seen as particularly harsh and has contributed to the controversy surrounding Kimmel's remarks.

Reactions to Kimmel's Comments

The backlash to Kimmel's comments was immediate and intense. Brendan Carr, the chair of the FCC, stated he would consider taking action against Disney and ABC for allowing Kimmel’s remarks to air. This statement underscored the potential consequences of Kimmel's comments, bringing regulatory scrutiny into the mix.

Following these developments, an ABC spokesperson confirmed that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” would be “pre-empted indefinitely.” This decision marks a significant step for ABC, which has faced criticism for its handling of Kimmel's statements and their implications in a politically charged environment.

The Context of Political Commentary in Entertainment

The incident has reignited discussions about the role of comedians and late-night hosts in political discourse. Kimmel’s comments reflect a broader trend where entertainers leverage their platforms to comment on political events. However, this approach often leads to polarisation, with audiences divided on the appropriateness of such commentary.

Critics argue that Kimmel’s remarks crossed a line, particularly in the context of a violent act. Supporters of Kimmel may view his comments as a valid critique of political rhetoric surrounding violence. This incident raises crucial questions about the responsibilities of public figures and the potential impact of their words on societal discourse.

Jimmy Kimmel's Career

Jimmy Kimmel, 57, has been an influential figure in late-night television since his show debuted on 26 January 2003. Over the years, he has cultivated a reputation for tackling sensitive topics with humour, often navigating the fine line between comedy and controversy. Kimmel’s ability to provoke thought while entertaining has made him a polarising figure in the landscape of late-night TV.

Before hosting “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, Kimmel gained recognition through his work on “The Man Show” and as a co-host on “Win Ben Stein's Money.” His career has evolved significantly, and he has become known for his political commentary, particularly during election cycles and major national events.

What Happens Next?

As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how long Kimmel's show will be off the air and what actions the FCC may ultimately take against Disney and ABC. The network's decision to pull the show indicates the seriousness of the backlash and the potential ramifications for Kimmel's career. It also highlights the ongoing tensions between political discourse and entertainment, especially in an era where public sentiment can shift rapidly.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel's comments about Charlie Kirk's assassination suspect serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between comedy and political commentary. As Kimmel’s show remains off the air, audiences are left to ponder the future of late-night television and its role in shaping political dialogue. How will this incident influence the landscape of political commentary in entertainment going forward? Only time will tell.

FAQs

Why was "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" pulled from the air?

The show was pulled indefinitely following Kimmel's controversial comments linking the suspect in Charlie Kirk's assassination to Donald Trump's political movement, which sparked backlash and regulatory scrutiny.

What did Kimmel say during his monologue?

Kimmel suggested that Tyler Robinson, the suspect, was linked to the MAGA movement and criticised Trump's response to Kirk's murder, comparing it to a child's grief over a goldfish.

How long has Jimmy Kimmel been hosting his show?

Kimmel has hosted "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" for over two decades since its debut on 26 January 2003.

What actions has the FCC threatened against Disney and ABC?

FCC chair Brendan Carr has threatened to take action against Disney and ABC in response to Kimmel's comments, highlighting the potential regulatory consequences of politically charged entertainment.

What are the implications of Kimmel's comments?

The incident raises questions about the responsibilities of entertainers in political discourse and the potential impact of their words on public opinion and societal dialogue.