By Dimple Singh

Copyright timesnownews

ABC has suspended late-night host Jimmy Kimmel indefinitely following comments he made about the killing of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk. The Disney-owned network said Jimmy Kimmel Live will be pre-empted “indefinitely.” Kimmel, known for his sharp monologues, drew backlash during his Monday night show when he said the “MAGA gang” was trying to use Kirk’s murder for political gain. He also mocked the decision to fly flags at half-mast for Kirk and criticised the president’s reaction, calling it childish. “This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he calls a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish,” Kimmel said. Charlie Kirk’s Killing Kimmel’s remarks came just days after a 22-year-old man, Tyler Robinson, was charged with aggravated murder over the September 10 shooting of Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative activist. Authorities have not announced a motive, but court papers said Robinson told his parents that Kirk “spreads too much hate.” Nexstar Media Group, one of the biggest US television station owners, said it would stop airing Jimmy Kimmel Live “for the foreseeable future.” Nexstar executives said Kimmel’s comments were “offensive and insensitive at a critical time” and did not reflect the views of local communities. US President Donald Trump welcomed the suspension. In a social media post, he wrote, “The ratings-challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done.” He also attacked other late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, calling them “total losers” with “horrible” ratings. FCC Threat Brendan Carr, chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and a Trump appointee, said Kimmel’s remarks represented “the sickest conduct possible” and called on Disney to take action. He said that broadcasters have obligations under their FCC licenses to act in the public interest and suggested stronger action could follow if companies failed to respond. Carr said a public apology from Kimmel would be a “reasonable, minimal step.” Neither Kimmel nor his representatives have publicly commented on the suspension. Meanwhile, Robinson remains in custody facing possible death penalty charges if convicted. Nexstar-Tegna Merger The firing of Jimmy Kimmel comes amid Nexstar’s $6.2 billion merger with Tegna, which requires FCC approval. Nexstar, which is seeking FCC approval for a $6.2 billion merger with Tegna, said it strongly objects to Kimmel’s comments. The company also announced that it will replace his show with alternative programming in its ABC-affiliated markets. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News and around the World.