Dozens of ABC stations are planning to air a tribute for Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk on Friday night in place of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” after the liberal comedian mocked the MAGA movement over the conservative activist’s assassination at Utah Valley University last week.
In a Wednesday press release, Sinclair, Inc, which is the largest ABC affiliate group in the United States, announced, “Sinclair’s ABC stations will air a special in remembrance of Charlie Kirk this Friday, during Jimmy Kimmel Live’s timeslot. The special will also air across all Sinclair stations this weekend. In addition, Sinclair is offering the special to all ABC affiliates across the country.”
Wednesday’s press release confirmed that the ABC affiliate group decided to “indefinitely preempt “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” following backlash that was sparked by the comedian’s show on Monday, during which Kimmel mocked President Donald Trump over the death of Kirk and falsely claimed that the conservative activist was killed by someone associated with MAGA.
In a video clip from Monday’s controversial episode, Kimmel said, “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 and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”
On Wednesday, Sinclair confirmed that ABC was suspending the production of Kimmel’s show.
In the press release, Sinclair Vice Chairman Jason Smith explained, “Mr. Kimmel’s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country. 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.”
READ MORE: Charlie Kirk’s assassination celebrated by Oxford Union president-elect
The Wall Street Journal reported that Kimmel was planning to address his controversial remarks during his monologue for Wednesday’s show prior to Disney and ABC’s decision to suspend “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” The outlet noted that Kimmel reportedly was unwilling to apologize for his comments but was instead planning to argue that Trump supporters “purposefully twisted” his comments.
A source familiar with the matter told CNN that Kimmel’s monologue doubling down on his controversial comments was “very hot” despite Disney executives having discussions with the comedian about “taking down the temperature.”
