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ABC Affiliates to Preempt ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ for Tribute Special Following Controversial Remarks
Dozens of ABC affiliate stations will air a tribute special in remembrance of Charlie Kirk in place of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Friday. This decision, led by Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group, follows Disney’s indefinite suspension of the show after the host made controversial remarks about the assassination of the conservative activist.
Related – ABC Suspends ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ After Host’s Remarks on Charlie Kirk Assassination
Sinclair, which operates 30 ABC affiliates, announced its plans to air the special shortly after Disney’s decision. “Mr. Kimmel’s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country,” said Sinclair Vice Chairman Jason Smith in a statement. The company also called for Jimmy Kimmel to issue a direct apology and make a personal donation to the Kirk family and Turning Point USA, a group founded by Kirk. Smith added that Sinclair would not reinstate the show until appropriate steps are taken to uphold broadcast standards.
Nexstar, another major owner of ABC affiliates, had also announced its decision to preempt the program. “Mr. Kimmel’s comments about the death of Mr. Kirk are offensive and insensitive… and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities,” said Andrew Alford, President of Nexstar’s Broadcasting Division. He stated that preempting the show was “in an effort to let cooler heads prevail.”
The controversy stems from comments Kimmel made in a monologue, where he accused conservatives of “desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.” While some of Kimmel’s defenders have suggested his remarks were taken out of context, Disney ultimately decided to suspend the program before Kimmel could address the backlash on his show.
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