Comedian and television host Jimmy Kimmel suspended his late-night show after a monologue that included references to Charlie Kirk, a conservative political figure close to former President Donald Trump. The incident occurred on September 18, 2025, and sparked widespread debate in the US media.
The network responsible for the broadcast stated that the suspension aims to "allow for editorial evaluation," without specifying whether it is a permanent cancellation or a temporary hiatus. The episode aired at a time when political tensions in the country are rising due to the 2026 presidential election campaign.
In his monologue, Kimmel stated, “We’ve hit new lows this weekend with the MAGA gang desperate to portray this guy who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything but one of them, and doing everything they can to capitalize politically on it.”
Showing a video of Donald Trump reacting to Kirk's death, Kimmel commented, "This is not how a grown man grieves the murder of someone he calls a friend. This is how a four-year-old grieves the death of a goldfish." These remarks were widely echoed on social media and in the media.
Former President Donald Trump was also indirectly mentioned in the monologue, increasing the impact of the case among Republican and Democratic sectors. So far, Kimmel has not directly commented on the suspension, while the network reviews the next steps regarding his continued presence.
The episode reflects how the interaction between entertainment and politics in the United States continues to have a direct impact on public opinion, especially when it involves media figures and political leaders linked to the electoral contest.