LOCAL NEWSROOM — Los Angeles / September 18, 2025
ABC has suspended “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” indefinitely after a monologue in which Jimmy Kimmel suggested that responses to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk were politically motivated and that some were trying to distance the suspect from the MAGA movement. Wikipedia+3Business Insider+3People.com+3
What Happened
On September 15, Jimmy Kimmel in his opening monologue said:
“We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it.” Vanity Fair+2Wikipedia+2
Following the broadcast, Brendan Carr, Chair of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), publicly criticized Kimmel’s remarks. He warned that ABC affiliate licenses could be put under review if broadcasters air programming “that falls short of community values.” Business Insider+2Vanity Fair+2
Nexstar Media Group, which owns many of ABC’s local stations, then announced that its ABC-affiliated stations would preempt the show beginning that evening, citing Kimmel’s comments as “offensive and insensitive” and stating they did not represent “the values of the communities we serve.” Business Insider+1
Soon after, ABC (owned by Disney) confirmed that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would be pulled off the air indefinitely. Business Insider+1
The Italy Rumors & Citizenship
Parallel to this media storm, earlier in August 2025, Jimmy Kimmel revealed during his appearance on The Sarah Silverman Podcast that he had obtained Italian citizenship. Yahoo+2Men's Journal+2 However:
He did not confirm any immediate plans to move his operations or relocate permanently to Italy. Men's Journal+2The Financial Express+2
He expressed concern about the political climate in the U.S., implying that the situation was “so much worse” than anticipated, but the hints of relocation remain speculative. Yahoo+1
Reactions & Implications
Free speech advocates and many in media circles have raised alarms, arguing that ABC’s suspension may set a worrying precedent for political pressure influencing broadcast content. Business Insider+1
President Donald Trump and conservative commentators praised ABC’s decision. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers have condemned it. Business Insider+1
It remains unclear what the legal or regulatory outcomes might be. The FCC’s role in this issue (and its power over broadcast licenses) is being closely scrutinized. Business Insider+1
What’s Confirmed vs. What’s Not
| Confirmed | Not (yet) Confirmed / Rumored |
|---|---|
| Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been suspended indefinitely by ABC. Business Insider+2Financial Times+2 | That Kimmel has been “fired” in the sense of permanent dismissal. |
| Remarks about Charlie Kirk and backlash from Nexstar, the FCC Chair, and others. Vanity Fair+2Business Insider+2 | That he will move to Italy, or that any new show or production will relocate there. |
| He has obtained Italian citizenship. Yahoo+2Men's Journal+2 | Specific dates or plans for his next professional steps — or whether he’ll return. |
Conclusion & Next Steps
ABC’s indefinite suspension leaves the fate of Jimmy Kimmel Live! uncertain, though insiders say the network hopes for a return. Whether Kimmel himself wants to or is able to resume under current conditions is unclear. Wikipedia+1
Legal/regulatory scrutiny is likely. The FCC’s threat of examining licenses adds pressure. Broadcasters will be watching closely how much influence political or public pressure can exert.
Rumors of relocation to Italy will persist until Kimmel or his representatives confirm or deny any firm plans. Italian citizenship gives the possibility, but so far it seems more a personal contingency or expressive statement than a declared next step.
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