ABC Affiliates to Replace ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ with a Charlie Kirk Tribute Special [WATCH]

Dozens of ABC affiliate stations will replace “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” with a tribute special honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk following controversy over the late-night host’s recent comments, as reported by Fox News.

Sinclair Broadcast Group, which operates 30 ABC affiliates, announced Wednesday it will air a program “in remembrance of Charlie Kirk” during Kimmel’s time slot on Friday.

The move follows Disney’s decision to suspend Kimmel’s show indefinitely after remarks he made about the man accused of assassinating Kirk.

“Mr. Kimmel’s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country,” Sinclair Vice Chairman Jason Smith said in a statement.

Sinclair joined Nexstar Media Group, another major ABC affiliate operator, in pre-empting Kimmel’s show before Disney intervened. Nexstar said earlier in the day that continuing to air Kimmel “is simply not in the public interest at the current time.”

“Mr. Kimmel’s comments about the death of Mr. Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views or values of the local communities in which we are located,” Nexstar’s broadcasting chief Andrew Alford said.

Sinclair stated it would not reinstate “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” until discussions are held with ABC regarding “professionalism and accountability.”

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The company also called on Kimmel to issue a direct apology to the Kirk family, as well as a personal donation to both 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 said.

The controversy began Monday when Kimmel accused conservatives of reaching “new lows” by pointing to left-wing ideology as a motive for 22-year-old suspect Tyler Robinson, who was indicted Tuesday.

“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,” Kimmel said.

Jimmy Kimmel “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 & doing everything they can to score political points…” “This is how a 4-year-old mourns a gold fish.” https://t.co/JzrnTHhBtN pic.twitter.com/TnrvhJOTB0

— Fly Sistah (@Fly_Sistah) September 17, 2025

Kimmel’s remarks drew heavy criticism for appearing to suggest Robinson was aligned with conservatives.

The Hollywood Reporter noted Kimmel had planned to clarify his comments on Wednesday’s show and argue his words had been mischaracterized, but Disney removed the program before he could address the issue.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr issued a warning to Disney earlier in the week, saying the company faced consequences if it failed to act. He later praised the suspension decision.

President Donald Trump also welcomed the move, calling it “great news for America.” His supporters celebrated the decision, though some questioned whether government involvement played too great a role.

Disney’s action triggered backlash from Democrats, including Rep. Daniel Goldman, D-N.Y., who criticized both the FCC and Disney. On X, Goldman wrote:

“I’m not sure who deserves more disdain and disgust: Trump and the FCC for their blatant violation of the Constitution, or Disney and Nexstar for sacrificing their values and folding to a wannabe Mob Boss and his authoritarian goons.”

The tribute special for Kirk will now take the place of Kimmel’s show on multiple ABC stations this Friday.

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