Jimmy Kimmel has declined calls to apologize or make a donation following comments he made about the passing of commentator Charlie Kirk. The requests came from Sinclair Broadcast Group, a major ABC affiliate owner, after ABC placed Jimmy Kimmel Live! on indefinite suspension.
Reports indicate Kimmel told Disney executives he would not release a public statement of contrition or provide financial contributions. Sinclair announced that the program would not return to its stations unless Kimmel apologized and made what it described as a “meaningful personal donation,” calling ABC’s suspension insufficient.
Nexstar Media Group, another large affiliate operator, also removed the show from its schedule, citing concerns about “community values.” The combined decisions significantly reduced the program’s reach before ABC officially paused its broadcast. Kimmel’s remarks addressed political reactions to Kirk’s death, which affiliates deemed inappropriate. Sinclair announced plans to air a tribute program in the vacated time slot.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr expressed support for the affiliates’ stance, while clarifying that federal regulators would not directly intervene. Some media commentators defended Kimmel, framing the issue as a matter of free expression. ABC has emphasized that the decision is a temporary pre-emption, not a cancellation, though Sinclair maintains its conditions for reinstatement. For now, the show’s return remains uncertain amid the ongoing dispute between the network, affiliates, and Kimmel.