Broadcaster releases statement over removing Jimmy Kimmel and the 'meaningful' way he can get back on air
The broadcasting company responsible for the controversial suspension of Jimmy Kimmel has released a statement revealing the steps he can take to return to the air.
Kimmel, a popular 57-year-old TV host and comedian, saw his late-night show cancelled on Wednesday night in the wake of his comments about Charlie Kirk earlier this week.
The political activist was fatally shot on September 10, with 22-year-old Tyler Robinson having since been charged with his murder.
But Kimmel had some choice words for anyone trying to spin an agenda about the Utah resident who remains in custody and faces the death penalty.
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On Monday (15 September), Kimmel told his viewers: "We hit 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.
"In between the finger-pointing, there was grieving. On Friday, the White House flew the flags at half-staff, which got some criticism. But on a human level, you can see how hard the president is taking this...
"Yes, he's at the fourth stage of grief. Construction. Demolition, construction...This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he called a friend.
"This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish, okay?"
While Donald Trump was quick to celebrate the news of Kimmel being taken off air amid what has been a significant feud between the two, the censoring of opinions marks another worrying development in the wake of the senseless, politically-motivated violence that saw Kirk murdered.
Although Kimmel is yet to speak out on the news, Sinclair, the nation’s largest ABC affiliate group, has now spoken out on Kimmel's comments after indefinitely preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Wednesday evening.
Vice Chairman Jason Smith said: “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.”
Instead of Kimmel's show on Friday night, ABC will air a special in remembrance of Charlie Kirk, and Sinclair suggested that Kimmel won't be back on air until formal discussions are held with ABC regarding the network’s commitment to professionalism and accountability.
Sinclair also called for Kimmel to issue a direct apology to the Kirk family, as well as a 'meaningful personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA'.
Trump had previously warned Kimmel that his comments could see him cancelled, along with Jimmy Fallon, and it seems as if the President has now gotten his wish.
LADbible group has contacted the representatives of Jimmy Kimmel for comment.
Topics: Charlie Kirk, Donald Trump, Jimmy Kimmel, US News, Politics, TV and Film
James Moorhouse