ABC has taken late-night host Jimmy Kimmel off the air indefinitely following controversial remarks he made regarding the shooting of right-wing activist and influencer Charlie Kirk. The Disney-owned network confirmed on Thursday that Jimmy Kimmel Live would be “pre-empted indefinitely,” a decision that has quickly become the subject of heated national debate.

The controversy erupted earlier this week after Kimmel used his opening monologue to criticize political reactions to the shooting. Referring to supporters of former U.S. president Donald Trump, Kimmel claimed the “MAGA gang” was attempting to exploit Kirk’s death for political advantage. His comments immediately drew criticism from conservative groups, media outlets, and political leaders who accused the comedian of crossing a line during an already sensitive moment.

Adding to the storm, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr publicly warned that action could be taken against Disney and ABC over Kimmel’s remarks. The FCC’s involvement underscored the seriousness of the backlash and raised questions about the role of regulators in monitoring broadcast content in politically charged situations.

Kimmel himself has yet to make a statement addressing either the suspension or the controversy surrounding his comments. However, political reactions have been swift. Former president Donald Trump welcomed ABC’s decision, calling it “great news for America” in a post on his social media platform. Supporters of Kirk also expressed relief, while others raised concerns that Kimmel’s removal sets a troubling precedent for freedom of expression in comedy and late-night television.

The network has not clarified how long the suspension will last or whether Kimmel will be allowed to return. For now, ABC executives are stressing the seriousness with which they take the incident, while critics argue that Disney is bowing to political pressure.

The suspension highlights the increasingly fraught environment in which comedians and late-night hosts operate, where satirical or politically charged remarks can trigger backlash not only from viewers but also from regulators and government officials. It also comes at a time of heightened polarization in U.S. media, where networks face intense scrutiny over how they handle controversial statements from their high-profile personalities.

As the fallout continues, the decision to remove Jimmy Kimmel from the air may have long-term implications for both ABC and the future of political comedy in America.