Hours before Wednesday’s new episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live was set to air on ABC, the network pulled the show from their lineup indefinitely. The news came after late night host Jimmy Kimmel made about the way some people have reacted to Charlie Kirk’s death last week, and it sounds like it didn’t just come as a shock to fans — it was also a shock to those who work on the show, too.
News broke Wednesday that Jimmy’s show has been suspended.
An ABC spokesperson said in a statement to CBS News, “Jimmy Kimmel Live will be pre-empted indefinitely” after media conglomerate Nextstar threatened to pre-empt his show from their ABC affiliate stations following comments that Jimmy made about Charlie’s shooting. The decision from ABC came hours after FCC chairman Brendan Carr called the host’s comments “some of the sickest conduct possible.”
But what did Jimmy actually say that led to this happening? During his monologue on Monday’s episode, he spoke out about the reaction to Charlie’s murder.
“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,” he said, per USA Today.
A new report claims that it came as a shock to everyone involved.
According to what sources told CNN, the news of the show being suspended came as such a surprise to those who work on it that celebrity guests were already en route to the set and business had been happening to prepare for that night’s show as usual.
“We are all shell-shocked,” a celebrity publicist told the outlet.
Wanda Sykes was set to be a guest on Wednesday’s show.
Legendary actress and comedian Wanda Sykes was set to appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live before the show was canceled, and she took to Instagram to share her reaction.
“I’m in a full face of makeup because I was supposed to go over and have a chat with my friend Jimmy Kimmel on his show,” Wanda said. “But as you have heard by now, Jimmy Kimmel’s show has been pulled indefinitely, abruptly, because of complaints from the Trump administration.”
She added, “For those of you who pray, now’s the time to do it. Love you, Jimmy.”
President Donald Trump is already celebrating, but the decision may not be permanent.
Later on Wednesday evening, president Donald Trump — who has called for Jimmy to be fired in the past — celebrated the move in a post on Truth Social.
“Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED,” he wrote. “Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that’s possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!! President DJT”
So far, Jimmy has not shared a statement on the situation himself.
