Regulators have intensified scrutiny of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel after ABC suspended him indefinitely over controversial comments made on-air regarding the shooting of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. A senior broadcasting regulator has now said that Kimmel “appeared to mislead the public” in his remarks, further deepening the fallout from a controversy that has gripped U.S. media and politics.

Kimmel was taken off the air last week after ABC, owned by Disney, announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live would be “pre-empted indefinitely.” The suspension came shortly after Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr warned of possible action against the network, arguing that Kimmel’s comments crossed the line of responsible broadcasting.

Earlier this month, Kimmel had accused what he called the “MAGA gang” of attempting to exploit Kirk’s killing for political advantage. His critics claimed the remarks were insensitive and misleading in their framing of the incident, prompting a wave of backlash from conservative groups and political figures.

The regulator’s latest statement has added fuel to the controversy, suggesting that Kimmel’s broadcast may have not only inflamed partisan tensions but also misled viewers about the circumstances of Kirk’s death. While no formal sanctions have yet been imposed on ABC, the suggestion that a violation of broadcast standards may have occurred raises questions about whether further penalties could follow.

Political reactions remain divided. Former president Donald Trump praised ABC’s decision to suspend Kimmel, calling it “great news for America.” Supporters of Kirk echoed this sentiment, saying the comedian’s comments reflected media bias. On the other hand, free speech advocates and some media commentators have criticized the network’s move, arguing that satire and commentary should not be policed under political pressure.

Kimmel himself has yet to issue a public statement, and ABC has not confirmed whether he will be reinstated or replaced. Insiders suggest the network is weighing both the political fallout and potential regulatory consequences before making a long-term decision.

The episode highlights the increasingly fraught environment facing U.S. late-night television, where political humor and commentary often intersect with national controversies. As regulators, politicians, and media companies continue to weigh in, the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel could set a precedent for how networks respond to politically sensitive broadcasts in the future.