Affiliates of ABC have said the TV channel's indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel for comments he made about Charlie Kirk is 'not enough', and have demanded the talk-show presenter with an extreme threat.
Appearing on Monday's instalment (15 Sept) of his show, the 57-year-old began by telling viewers: "We had 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."
For those in need of a reminder, 31-year-old right-wing activist Kirk was fatally shot during a Republican rally at Utah Valley University last week (10 Sept), whilst answering a question from an attendee about gun violence in the States.
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In the days that followed, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was identified as the gunman - having been hiding on the roof of one of the campus buildings - and charged with his death.
What else did Jimmy Kimmel say?
Also during his rant, the TV host took aim at Turning Point USA founder Kirk's political ally, Donald Trump, playing a clip of the President being asked by a reporter outside of the White House how he was 'holding up' in the wake of his death.
In the clip, Trump responds with, 'I think very good', before changing the subject to the Oval Office's plush renovations.
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"And by the way, right there you see all the trucks," he continued. "They just started construction of the new ballroom for the White House, which is something they’ve been trying to get for about 150 years. And it's gonna be a beauty. It'll be an absolutely magnificent structure."
Commenting on the politician's remarks in the video, Kimmel went on to joke: "He’s at the fourth stage of grief: 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, OK?"
Kimmel also played another clip of Trump chatting to Fox, where he was asked a question about Kirk's killing, but gave an answer about his incoming White House ballroom.
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"Oh, when I heard [about Kirk’s shooting]? I was in the midst of building a great... for 150 years, they’ve wanted a ballroom at the White House," he continued.
On this, Kimmel hit out: "There’s something wrong with him, there really is. Who thinks like that?"
How did ABC respond to Jimmy Kimmel's comments?
Following Kimmel's remarks, ABC producers made the decision to suspend his show 'pre-empted indefinitely'.
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Hours earlier, Nexstar Media Group - the largest owner of US television stations - vowed to no longer air the star-studded series in a statement: "Nexstar strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets."
Nexstar President, Andrew Alford added: "Mr Kimmel’s comments about the death of Mr Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located."
Trump later took to Truth Social to gloat in response to the news, writing: "Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done."
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The long-time critic of Kimmel went on to add: "Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that’s possible.
That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!! President DJT."
As we say, despite ABC's actions, bosses at the channel's biggest affiliate group Sinclair have since spoken out, claiming the appropriate response to Kimmel's comments has not yet been given by either producers or the presenter himself.
What have Sinclair bosses said?
An explanation on the firm's site, shared yesterday, currently reads: "Sinclair, the nation’s largest ABC affiliate group, objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
"As discussed with ABC earlier today, Sinclair decided to indefinitely preempt 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' beginning tonight. Following these discussions, ABC has suspended production of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'"
The statement also includes a message from Sinclair's VP, Jason Smith, who 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."
Smith continued: "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."
As such, in replacement of the next episode of Kimmel's show, the affiliate brand will now air a special segment in Kirk's memory, which 'will also air across all Sinclair stations this weekend'.
The company's warning continues: "In addition, Sinclair is offering the special to all ABC affiliates across the country.
"Sinclair will not lift the suspension of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' on our stations until formal discussions are held with ABC regarding the network’s commitment to professionalism and accountability."
What are the Sinclair's demands?
Sinclair also demanded that the comedy star issue a 'direct apology' to the Conservative's surviving family, and 'make a meaningful personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA'.
"Regardless of ABC’s plans for the future of the program, Sinclair intends not to return 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' to our air until we are confident that appropriate steps have been taken to uphold the standards expected of a national broadcast platform," the threat concluded.
Topics: Jimmy Kimmel, Celebrity, US News, Politics, Charlie Kirk, Donald Trump, TV And Film
Rhianna Benson