Jimmy Kimmel has declined demands to apologize to the family of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk or to donate to Kirk’s relatives and Turning Point USA. These demands were set by Sinclair Broadcast Group, a major ABC affiliate owner. Kimmel’s refusal, reported by multiple media outlets, comes amid ABC’s indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! following backlash over his comments on Kirk’s death. The host reportedly told Disney executives he would not issue a contrition statement or make a donation as requested.
Sinclair issued a corporate statement saying the show would not return to its stations unless Kimmel publicly apologizes and makes a “meaningful personal donation.” They deemed ABC’s suspension “not enough” and encouraged regulatory scrutiny. Another major affiliate owner, Nexstar Media Group, also pulled the program, citing “community values.” Together, these moves significantly reduced the show’s national reach even before ABC’s formal pre-emption.
Kimmel’s controversial monologue criticized what he described as efforts by political groups to exploit Kirk’s murder for gain. The affiliates, particularly Sinclair and Nexstar, interpreted his remarks as deeply offensive, prompting calls for both disciplinary and corrective actions. Sinclair even plans to fill Kimmel’s time slot with a tribute to Kirk, reinforcing their opposition.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr backed the affiliates’ decisions, further intensifying the political pressure. He criticized Kimmel’s comments as inappropriate for national broadcast, while denying that regulatory agencies had been involved in the affiliates’ decisions. Meanwhile, media figures and some public commentators have defended Kimmel, arguing his suspension undermines free speech.
ABC has framed the situation as a temporary pre-emption, not a cancellation, leaving room for reinstatement if affiliate demands are resolved. However, Sinclair has emphasized that only a direct apology and donation will suffice for Kimmel’s return to air. ABC has not committed publicly to these conditions.
The dispute illustrates a growing power struggle between network programming and affiliate influence. Kimmel’s refusal has created a standoff that tests how far hosts can go in editorial expression without losing national distribution. As of now, the show’s return remains uncertain due to this unresolved impasse.
