After indefinitely suspending Jimmy Kimmel‘s show, ABC affiliate group Sinclair has announced it is replacing ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ with a Charlie Kirk tribute while demanding that host apologize and donate to Kirk’s family and his company Turning Point USA.
As we previously shared, on September 10, the world witnessed the tragic assassination of the 31-year-old controversial Conservative commentator. The right-wing activist died as he addressed an audience on the campus of Utah Valley University.
Kirk, also known as “The Trump Whisperer,” was kicking off his company Turning Point USA’s “American Comeback Tour.” Just 20 minutes into his speech, a bullet struck the left side of his neck as he answered a question about Black crime, gun violence, and more. He leaves behind a wife, Erika Kirk, and two children, ages 1 and 3.
Jimmy Kimmel Jokes About Donald Trump Mourning Fatal Shooting Of Charlie Kirk
On Monday night (September 15), Kimmel shared a monologue referencing Kirk’s shooting. He also shared jokes about how President Donald Trump mourned his dear friend’s death. While joking about Kirk and Trump, Kimmel said:
“We’ve 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, but in between the finger-pointing, there was grieving.
On Friday, the White House flew the flags at half staff, which got some criticism. But, on a human level, you can see how hard the president is taking this. [cuts to video of Donald Trump telling reporters about construction on new White House ballroom after 150 years].
Yes, he’s at the fourth stage of grief: construction. There’s demolition…construction. This is not how an adult grieves the murder of somebody they call a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish. Okay? And it didn’t just happen once.”
ABC Affiliate Group Sinclair Demands Jimmy Kimmel Apologize And Donate To Charlie Kirk’s Family And Turning Point USA After Joking About Donald Trump Mourning Kirk
However by Wednesday (September 17), the world learned that ABC suspended Kimmel’s show “indefinitely” following his remarks. Hours later, President Donald Trump applauded ABC for “canceling” Jimmy Kimmel’s show.
In addition to ABC suspending Kimmel’s show indefinitely, Sinclair, the nation’s largest ABC affiliate group, claims that’s not enough. Late Wednesday evening, the group called on the FCC and ABC to take additional action, as well Kimmel, personally. Vice Chairman Jason Smith said:
“Mr. Kimmel’s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country. We believe broadcasters have a responsibility to educate and elevate respectful, constructive dialogue in our communities. We appreciate FCC Chairman Carr’s remarks today and this incident highlights the critical need for the FCC to take immediate regulatory action to address control held over local broadcasters by the big national networks.”
Sinclair noted that ABC stations will air a special in remembrance special of Charlie Kirk on Friday (September 19), during the ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!‘ timeslot. The special will also run across all Sinclair stations on the weekend, and will offer the special to all ABC affiliates across the country.
Sinclair insisted they will not lift Kimmel’s suspension on their stations “until formal discussion are held with ABC regarding the network’s commitment to professionalism and accountability.” They’ve also called upon Kimmel to issue a direct apology to the Kirk family. Sinclair also urged Kimmel to “make a meaningful personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA.” Sinclair again noted:
“Regardless of ABC’s plans for the future of the program, Sinclair intends not to return “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” to our air until we are confident that appropriate steps have been taken to uphold the standards expected of a national broadcast platform.”
#Socialites, be sure to check out the post below, then leave us your thoughts in a comment after!