A 2017 tweet by deceased conservative activist Charlie Kirk, in which he criticised Jimmy Kimmel, has resurfaced in the midst of ABC’s decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely.
The suspension comes after the late-night host made controversial comments about Kirk’s fatal shooting.
What was Charlie Kirk’s tweet?
Kirk’s 2017 tweet about Kimmel has now resurfaced, adding another layer to the brewing controversy.
“Jimmy Kimmel isn’t funny,” Kirk had posted on X, a brief comment that gained new relevance given the current situation.
As news of the suspension spread, social media exploded with reactions to Kirk’s old tweet. One user responded, “You won,” while another quipped, “Total victory.” A third person chimed in, “Kimmel has been fired. RETRIBUTION.”
What was Jimmy Kimmel’s comment about Charlie Kirk’s assassination?
On Monday, Kimmel made remarks on his late-night show about the tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk, which led to immediate backlash.
Kimmel referred to those attempting to politicise the death, saying, “We had some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and with everything they can to score political points from it.”
The comments came across as insensitive and out of touch, especially considering the politically charged nature of the event which led to the suspension.
“Great news for America”
President Donald Trump commented on ABC’s decision, congratulating the network for pulling the show.
On Truth Social, he wrote, “Great news for America: The ratings-challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED.”
Trump did not stop there, turning his attention to other late-night hosts, Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, calling them “total losers” and encouraging NBC to cancel their shows as well.
ABC’s decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! came right after Nexstar Communications, which operates several ABC affiliates, expressed concerns over Kimmel’s comments.
Nexstar President Andrew Alford described Kimmel’s remarks as “offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse.”
The timing of the suspension has led many to believe that ABC took the action to avoid further controversy.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich also weighed in on the matter, praising ABC for doing what he saw as the “right and reasonable thing,” especially as Americans increasingly demand accountability from both the media and entertainment industries.
It remains unclear how long Jimmy Kimmel Live! will be suspended. ABC has not provided a timeline for the show’s return.