Insiders from ABC are expressing frustration over the way “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” handled a recent monologue, particularly criticizing the network for not pre-screening it before it aired on Monday.
After Kimmel’s comments regarding an alleged murder linked to Charlie Kirk, the show was abruptly suspended on Wednesday night. FCC Chairman Brendan Kerr took note of Kimmel’s statements in a CNBC interview, suggesting they were misleading.
“ABC dropped the ball,” one insider remarked. “They should have edited Kimmel’s segment. They know that Trump is always ready to pounce. The standards team should’ve caught this. They really should’ve known better.”
Kerr, along with President Trump, has been focusing on major networks, including ABC, for perceived biases and news inaccuracies. Trump previously settled a lawsuit against Disney-owned outlets over claims related to George Stephanopoulos.
According to sources close to ABC, sensitive political discussions should have been approached with more caution, seeing Kimmel’s comments as a clear departure from humor towards political commentary.
“This is on ABC. They should recall what happened with George Stephanopoulos,” remarked one insider. Kimmel’s remarks were viewed as crossing the line.
ABC stated on Thursday that Kimmel’s show would be aired “irregularly” due to pressure from the FCC and its affiliates.
The controversial remarks arose during Kimmel’s Monday night monologue when he commented on a shocking murder at an event in Orem, Utah.
“With the Maga crowd trying to spin this child who killed Charlie Kirk into something they’re not, it’s just another low point as we chase political points,” he said during the episode.
These comments drew backlash from conservatives, who argued they misrepresented shooter Tyler Robinson’s political stance. His mother claimed that her son had shifted politically to the left.
In her podcast, Carr described Kimmel’s statements as evidence of a “joint effort to mislead Americans,” indicating that the FCC would likely respond.
Soon after, ABC confirmed that Kimmel would return to air following reaffirmation from the Nexstar Media Group, ABC’s primary affiliate, about the program.
Another affiliate, Sinclair Broadcasting, has been awaiting an apology from Kimmel directed at Charlie Kirk’s family, as well as a donation to Kirk’s political activism group.
President Trump has been vocal about his disdain for ABC and Kimmel, suggesting that late-night hosts should face consequences.
Kimmel has had his eye on Trump’s criticism since CBS made waves with the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s show earlier this year.
In July, CBS announced it would be canceling “Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” citing financial difficulties and dwindling viewership. Colbert found humor in the situation, especially as Trump was embroiled in a lawsuit over an edited interview involving Kamala Harris.
In response to the developments, Kimmel took to social media to voice his disbelief.
Meanwhile, Trump has commented on ABC’s decision, claiming Kimmel’s dismissal was due to “poor ratings” and inappropriate remarks about Charlie Kirk.
“Jimmy Kimmel was let go because his ratings tanked, and he said awful things about a great guy like Charlie Kirk,” Trump stated to reporters.
