Los Angeles/New York:Executives at Walt Disney Co. and representatives of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel scrambled on Wednesday to contain a growing social media firestorm following Kimmel’s controversial remarks about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters.
Kimmel’s comments during his Monday night monologue drew swift and intense criticism, escalating into a torrent of online outrage by Wednesday. The backlash included death threats, raising security concerns for both Kimmel and his staff, the source said.
Although Kimmel prepared a statement addressing the controversy, Disney and his representatives struggled to agree on wording that would not further inflame tensions. As the show’s scheduled taping time of 4:30 p.m. approached, Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney Entertainment co-Chairman Dana Walden determined that the best course of action was to pull the program from the air until a path forward could be charted, according to the source. Walden informed Kimmel of the decision.
A representative for Kimmel did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment. Meanwhile, Bloomberg News reported that Disney executives will meet with Kimmel to discuss the future of his program.
Backlash and Political Pressure
Disney-owned ABC confirmed the decision to pull the show, citing Kimmel’s remarks about the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder of Turning Point USA and close political ally of President Donald Trump.
Hollywood figures criticized the move as capitulation to political pressure and a blow to free expression. Kimmel, who has long used his platform to target Trump and his supporters, had said in his monologue:
“We hit some new lows over the weekend, with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”
The statement sparked outrage, with critics accusing Kimmel of spreading misinformation about the alleged shooter’s political ties.
Regulatory and Broadcast Fallout
Brendan Carr, Chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), weighed in during a Wednesday podcast appearance, alleging Kimmel misled viewers. He suggested that the FCC could review or even revoke licenses of local affiliates broadcasting such content.
“We can do this the easy way or the hard way,” Carr said. “These companies can find ways to change conduct and take action, frankly, on Kimmel.”
Major broadcasters Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, both of which own ABC affiliates, announced they would suspend airing Kimmel’s show until he apologizes to the Kirk family. Both companies currently have merger deals under review by the FCC.
Trump Reacts
While on a state visit to Britain on Thursday, President Donald Trump commented on the controversy, saying Kimmel had been punished for making “a horrible thing” to say about Charlie Kirk, who is credited with mobilizing young conservative voters in support of Trump.
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