Fans of Jimmy Kimmel have noted a significant irony following the suspension of his late-night show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, due to remarks he made regarding Charlie Kirk’s death.
Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist, was fatally shot during a debate at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 10. The single bullet wound to his neck resulted in his immediate death, as described by his friend Frank Turek, who stated that Kirk ‘was killed instantly and felt absolutely no pain’.
In Monday’s episode monologue, Kimmel poked fun at Donald Trump for shifting the conversation to a new White House ballroom when questioned about Kirk’s passing. Kimmel also criticized the ‘MAGA gang’ for allegedly trying to portray the shooter as not being associated with them, accusing them of exploiting the situation for political gain.
As a result of the ensuing backlash, Sinclair Broadcast Group, the largest affiliate of ABC, announced that the show would be suspended indefinitely.
Sinclair also outlined three conditions that Kimmel must satisfy for his show to be reinstated.
Fans of Jimmy Kimmel Live! have noted the irony of the situation, especially considering Kimmel’s background in the entertainment industry.
In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, Bill Maher’s show Politically Incorrect became embroiled in controversy. On September 17, 2001, Maher had a discussion with conservative commentator Dinesh D’Souza, who challenged the notion that the hijackers were ‘cowards.’ Maher responded, stating: “But also, we should — we have been the cowards, lobbing cruise missiles from 2,000 miles away. That’s cowardly. Staying in the airplane when it hits the building, say what you want about it, it’s not cowardly.”
Maher later clarified that his comment was a critique of U.S. policy, not the military, but it was met with immediate condemnation.
Following the controversy, advertisers withdrew their spots, ABC affiliates faced viewer backlash, and Maher issued a public apology, stating: “In no way was I intending to say, nor have I ever thought, that the men and women who defend our nation in uniform are anything but courageous and valiant, and I offer my apologies to anyone who took it wrong.”
ABC backed Maher with a statement emphasizing the show’s commitment to free speech and the exchange of diverse opinions. They added: “While we remain sensitive to the current climate following last week’s tragedy … there needs to remain a forum for the expression of our nation’s diverse opinions.”
However, by June 2002, the backlash led to the end of Politically Incorrect. This cancellation cleared the way for Jimmy Kimmel’s emergence on ABC’s late-night lineup.
In January 2003, ABC launched Jimmy Kimmel Live! as its new flagship late-night show, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Now, over two decades later, Kimmel finds himself in a situation reminiscent of his predecessor’s experience.
One social media user highlighted the coincidence on X (formerly Twitter), noting: “The fact that Kimmel replaced Bill Maher after he was cancelled for his 9/11 comments.”
Another commenter added: “None of this is new. If Kimmel is talented like Bill, he’ll get a new show on HBO. Or start a podcast on YouTube – let the people decide if they actually like you!” They continued, “Cancellation mostly affects those who had establishment perches that outweigh their raw talent these days.”
As of now, Jimmy Kimmel has not issued a statement regarding the suspension of his show.