Former ESPN host Keith Olbermann expressed his disdain for Sinclair Broadcasting Group, figuratively wishing they would “burn in hell” alongside the murdered conservative activist Charlie Kirk, after the network halted the airing of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show.
Olbermann shared his thoughts in a post on X on Wednesday, right after the news of Kimmel’s suspension surfaced.
“Burns in Hell, Sinclair. With Charlie Kirk,” he stated.
As reported, ABC, Disney, and Nexstar, a broadcast affiliate, decided to remove Jimmy Kimmel from their stations after he suggested that Kirk’s assassin might have ties to MAGA, despite evidence indicating he was swayed by leftist influences. Nexstar labeled Kimmel’s remarks as “aggressive and insensitive during a critical phase of national political discussions,” stressing the need for more respectful dialogue.
Following ABC’s announcement regarding the suspension, Sinclair Vice Chairman Jason Smith issued a statement condemning Kimmel’s statements as “inappropriate and deeply insensitive.”
“Kimmel’s comments were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a crucial moment for our country,” Smith remarked. “The broadcaster believes it has a duty to promote educational and respectful discussion within the community. We appreciate Carr’s comments today. This situation highlights the need for the FCC to take urgent regulatory action regarding the control large national networks exert over local broadcasters.”
Sinclair stated that the ABC station would “air a special in memory of Charlie Kirk this Friday during the time slot for Jimmy Kimmel Live!“
Additionally, Sinclair urged ABC to demonstrate their commitment to “professionalism and accountability” and called on Kimmel to deliver a “direct apology to the Kirk family.”
“Moreover,” Sinclair’s statement continued, “we ask Kimmel to make substantial personal donations to the Kirk family and Turning Point USA. Regardless of ABC’s plans for the future of the program, Sinclair will not return Jimmy Kimmel Live! to the air until we are convinced that the appropriate measures are being taken to uphold the standards expected of national broadcasting networks.”
