"ABC, which is owned by Disney, confirmed the decision on Wednesday (17 September) with a spokesperson stating: "Jimmy Kimmel Live will be pre-empted indefinitely." In response to the decision, Trump celebrated on his Truth Social platform, saying it was "great news for America". "The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done," he wrote."
""State censorship in real time" However, many free speech advocates on both sides of the political spectrum expressed concern about the move. Political analyst Brian Allen described the move as "state censorship in real time" in a viral tweet. 🚨 Jimmy Kimmel Live pulled off air. Why? He joked Kirk's killer might've been pro-Trump. Within 48 hrs, Trump's FCC threatened Disney/ABC's license and they caved. That's not "cancel culture." That's state censorship in real time. pic.twitter.com/t0mD6idZPM- Brian Allen (@allenanalysis) September 17, 2025 Illinois governor also hit out at the decision, saying: "What's at stake here is free speech. Across the board, we've seen the Trump administration use the power of government to go after anybody who's criticized them - and in this case, Jimmy Kimmel. We need to all stand up and speak out.""
ABC pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live indefinitely following comments Kimmel made about the death of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk, with reports labeling the comments offensive and insensitive. Disney-owned ABC confirmed on 17 September that the show would be pre-empted. President Donald Trump and Kirk allies praised the decision on social media, calling it "great news for America" and celebrating the show's cancellation. Free-speech advocates and political analysts condemned the move as state censorship and government overreach, with critics pointing to alleged federal pressure, including reported FCC threats, influencing the network's action.
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