Jimmy Kimmel is reportedly refusing to back down. After ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! over his controversial comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the late-night host has seemingly made it clear he won’t give an apology just to save his job, as per reports. Kimmel sees this as a fight about censorship, not ratings.
Jimmy Kimmel will not apologize amid ABC suspension, insiders say
According to #ShuterScoop sources, Jimmy Kimmel is unwilling to issue what he considers a “demanded” apology. “Jimmy feels cornered,” one insider told the outlet, adding, “He thinks apologizing would be caving to political censorship. If it comes down to bowing to pressure or walking away, he’s ready to walk.” Another close friend reportedly reinforced the same sentiment and said, “Jimmy’s stubborn — he won’t fake an apology he doesn’t believe in. He’d rather protect comedy than save his job.”
The Jimmy Kimmel Live! suspension was announced on September 17. It came after Kimmel suggested on his September 15 show that Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, was part of “the MAGA gang.” Robinson, 22, has since been charged in connection with Kirk’s shooting at Utah Valley University. The host further went on to show Trump’s way of responding when asked about how he felt regarding Kirk’s death, as the latter talked about the construction of a new ballroom in the White House and how beautiful it’s going to be.
The comments infuriated FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who accused Kimmel of spreading lies and even threatened to strip ABC affiliates of their broadcast licenses. Nexstar, the country’s largest local TV broadcasting group, quickly acted, declaring Kimmel’s remarks “offensive and insensitive.”
Donald Trump, long a target of Kimmel’s jokes, celebrated the decision online. “Great News for America: The ratings-challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED,” Trump posted, before calling for the cancellation of Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers’ shows as well. (via Washington Post)
For now, Kimmel appears to be betting on principle over career security. Whether that means an exit from late-night television or a drawn-out standoff with ABC remains to be seen.
