Kimmel Could Face Federal Probe Over Charlie Kirk Comments
Former late-night host Jimmy Kimmel may face a federal review following remarks he made regarding the suspect in the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Kimmel told viewers that the accused killer was affiliated with the MAGA movement, a claim that authorities say is inaccurate. Prosecutors have described the suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, as holding leftist political views, with no ties to the MAGA movement.
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr addressed the situation during an interview on conservative podcaster Benny Johnson’s show, noting that he is considering an investigation into both Kimmel and ABC, the network that aired the comments. Carr described Kimmel’s statements as “some of the sickest conduct possible” and suggested that such politically charged content could have serious consequences for the broadcaster.
During his Monday monologue, Kimmel claimed, “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.” The remarks drew immediate backlash from conservative viewers and public officials.
Carr indicated that potential remedies could include disciplinary measures against the host, including suspension, and warned ABC and its parent company, Disney, that broadcasting one-sided political content could place their license at risk. He emphasized the FCC’s responsibility to ensure that networks operate in the public interest, particularly when presenting politically sensitive material during high-profile cases.
Tensions between Kimmel and ABC leadership have grown amid concerns over affiliate backlash, advertiser pressure, and possible actions from broadcast groups Sinclair and Nexstar, which distribute ABC programming in various markets. The network is navigating a complex situation balancing editorial freedom, public scrutiny, and regulatory oversight.