Jimmy Kimmel Off the Air Until He Apologizes and Donates To Charlie Kirk’s Family, Says Sinclair

Sinclair Broadcast Group, the biggest ABC affiliate in the U.S., has announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will be taken off their air indefinitely. The move comes after Jimmy Kimmel made comments about the assassination of Charlie Kirk that Sinclair called offensive. The company shared the news after talks with ABC earlier today, which also led ABC to suspend production of the show.

“Mr. Kimmel’s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country,” said Sinclair Vice Chairman Jason Smith. “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 said their ABC stations will air a special program honoring Charlie Kirk this Friday during Kimmel’s usual timeslot. The special will also be shown across Sinclair stations over the weekend, and the company is offering it to other ABC affiliates nationwide.

The network made it clear that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will not return to Sinclair stations until they have formal talks with ABC about professionalism and accountability. Sinclair is also asking Kimmel to issue a public apology to the Kirk family and make a personal donation to the family and Turning Point USA.

“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,” the company added.

This situation raises questions about the limits of commentary on national TV and how networks handle controversial statements by hosts. It also shows how powerful affiliate groups like Sinclair can influence what appears on local stations.

What do you think about Sinclair’s decision? Do you agree or disagree that Kimmel should apologize and donate before returning? Share your thoughts in the comments.