Full Transcript Of What Jimmy Kimmel Said That Got His Show Suspended, As Hollywood Stars React

Jimmy Kimmel’s popular talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live! was pulled off television indefinitely on September 17 after he made “insensitive” comments about the late Charlie Kirk.

The 31-year-old conservative activist lost his life in a fatal attack during an event at Utah Valley University on September 10.

While discussing the situation on his show, the comedian made “offensive” remarks that did not sit well with the broadcasting network.

“So, freedom of speech only applies when it’s something they want to hear?” commented one user online. 

Jimmy Kimmel’s talk show has been taken off the air following his remarks about Charlie Kirk’s tragic passing

Jimmy Kimmel in a suit and tie, seated at a desk during a television show segment about his show suspension.

Image credits: Biden White House Archived / flickr

During the September 15 episode, Kimmel spoke about the right-wing political commentator’s untimely passing after he was fatally struck in the neck by an armed assailant.

The suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, has since been identified and charged with first-degree homicide. 

Taking a dig at President Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan, commonly associated with him and his supporters, Jimmy addressed Robinson’s arrest.

Jimmy Kimmel Live illuminated sign at night, highlighting the popular late-night talk show in a vibrant setting.

Image credits: Neon Tommy / flickr

“We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who m***dered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”

He then commented on a viral clip of Trump speaking to reporters outside the White House, mocking his “grieving” as the president was reportedly close friends with Kirk.

A 22-year-old has been arrested and charged in connection with the fatal attack on Charlie

Facade of the Jimmy Kimmel Live studio with large banners and security guards outside, related to show suspension news.

Image credits: TheKevinDalton / X

“In between the finger-pointing, there was grieving. On Friday, the White House flew the flags at half staff, which got some criticism, but on a human level, you can see how hard the president is taking this.”

A clip of the President was then shown where, when asked by a reporter how he was holding up following the passing of Kirk, he replied, “I think very good, and by the way, right there where you see all the trucks, they just started construction of the new ballroom for the White House.”

Jimmy Kimmel in a black suit delivering a monologue on a nighttime show set with city skyline background.

Image credits: latenightercom / X

These are the comments from Monday night that led ABC to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live this afernoon. pic.twitter.com/TzOU3GZ195

— LateNighter (@latenightercom) September 17, 2025

The comedian quipped to this, “Yes, he’s at the fourth stage of grief, construction. This is not how an adult grieves the m**der of someone he called a friend.”

“There’s something wrong with him, there really is. Who thinks like that?”

However, these remarks were “strongly” objected to by broadcasting group Nexstar, which announced the temporary cancellation of the ABC show.

The 57-year-old mocked the U.S. President’s “grieving” in a viral clip following the passing of his “friend”

Jimmy Kimmel at a podium speaking during an ABC event, related to his show suspension and Hollywood reactions.

Image credits: Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images

In a statement to People, the network shared that all “television stations affiliated with the ABC Television Network will preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! for the foreseeable future…”

“Mr. Kimmel’s comments about the d**th 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.”

Man speaking at podium with Vice President of the United States seal, addressing Hollywood stars' reactions to Jimmy Kimmel suspension.

Image credits: Gage Skidmore / flickr

Jimmy Kimmel's statement condemning gun violence and expressing sympathy for victims in a social media post.

Image credits: jimmykimmel / instagram

On September 8, two documents from the now-disgraced Jeffrey Epstein‘s 50th-birthday album revealed the U.S. President’s signature, one on a risque line drawing of a female body and one on a picture of Epstein holding up a novelty check with Trump’s name.

Kimmel concluded his remarks in the episode by commenting on Trump’s “$200 million” White House ballroom project, suggesting it might be a decoy to distract from his connection to Epstein.

Man wearing an orange shirt with we can end gun violence text, related to Jimmy Kimmel show suspension and Hollywood reactions.

Image credits: jimmykimmel / instagram

“Why are we building a $200 million ballroom in the White House? Is it possible he’s doing it intentionally so we can be mad about that instead of the Epstein list? By the time he’s out of office, the White House will have slot machines and a water slide.”

The political activist lost his life during a live debate session as part of his American Comeback tour at the university

Protesters on Hollywood Walk of Fame holding signs as part of reaction to Jimmy Kimmel show suspension controversy.

Image credits: BBC

Screenshot of a tweet by Ben Stiller reacting to Jimmy Kimmel's show suspension and Hollywood stars' responses.

Image credits: BenStiller

The cancellation of Jimmy’s talk show was condemned by several celebrities who reacted to the news on social media.

Comedian Wanda Sykes, who was set to appear on an upcoming episode of the show, shared a video on Instagram criticizing Donald Trump.

She said, “He did end freedom of speech within his first year. Hey, for those of you who pray, now’s the time to do it.”

Jimmy Kimmel with other celebrities in a group photo, highlighting reactions to his show suspension and comments.

Image credits: christiebrinkley / instagram

Actor Ben Stiller also shared his support for Kimmel on an X post, writing, “This isn’t right.”

Actress Sophia Bush took to X to criticize the political climate in America, writing, “The First Amendment doesn’t exist in America anymore. Period. Fa**ism is here and it’s chilling.”

Tweet discussing Disney ABC suspending Jimmy Kimmel's show after controversial remarks with reactions from Hollywood stars.

Image credits: chrislhayes

Social media posts react to Jimmy Kimmel suspension, discussing censorship and broadcast network retaliation.

Image credits: johnlegend / iamhalsey / instagram

Meanwhile, comedian Alex Edelman called it “actual cancel culture everyone claims to hate so much.”

Netizens also condemned the networks’ decision, accusing them of curbing people’s right to free speech.

One user commented, “Anyone having kids now, or grandkids: They’ll never know what free speech was. And it’s sure to be erased from ‘new’ history books.”

 

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A post shared by WS (@iamwandasykes)

Another wrote, “Nah… network owners are bending the knee and kissing the ring…”

Many big public figures in the U.S. criticized the cancellation of the talk show on social media, expressing their support for Kimmel

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jean Smart (@realjeansmart)

Comedian and actress Kathy Griffin shared on her Instagram, “Please, take it from me, it is very important to have Jimmy Kimmel’s back right now. Be vocal. Be an ideological consumer. Money is all their crown cares about.”

 

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A post shared by Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin)

Other well-known names who voiced support for the comedian included Democrat Sen. Cory Booker, Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Jean Smart, John Legend, Christie Brinkley, Alison Brie, Halsey, and more.

Since Charlie’s passing, many reporters, educators, and even entertainment industry professionals, such as writers and television hosts, across the country have lost their jobs due to their controversial opinions on the matter.

 

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A post shared by Mike Birbiglia (@birbigs)

“He exposed their plan on his huge platform and the networks are terrified of Trump backlash!” wrote a fan in support of Jimmy. 

“This is the day free speech ended in the U.S.,” wrote one disappointed social media user

Comment by Lindsey Murphy questioning freedom of speech in response to Jimmy Kimmel's show suspension and Hollywood reactions.

Comment by Estevan Belen expressing surprise about free speech in relation to Jimmy Kimmel's show suspension reaction.

Comment by Leigh Niles Reason expressing concern over free speech related to Jimmy Kimmel show suspension.

Comment from Scott Sevener addressing Republicans politicizing a death related to Jimmy Kimmel's show suspension.

Comment by Martha Wilkins expressing surprise about a statement Jimmy Kimmel made regarding a bad man, with 680 likes.

Comment from Tupper Brownser expressing concerns about free speech being erased, related to Jimmy Kimmel controversy.

Social media comment about Jimmy Kimmel's show suspension and Hollywood stars' reactions in a digital discussion.

Comment from Ariel Oakes reacting to free speech issues related to Jimmy Kimmel and his show's suspension, with 1.2K likes.

Comment on First Amendment rights and diversity in response to controversy involving Jimmy Kimmel and Hollywood reactions.

Comment from Adam Fasoldt about Jimmy Kimmel's statement challenging the administration amid show suspension.

Comment by Leslie Terrell with text Dammit, ABC grow a spine, discussing reactions to Jimmy Kimmel show suspension and Hollywood stars.

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Comment by Piet Dalmolen referencing Jimmy Kimmel and a prediction related to POTUS in July 2025.

Facebook comment by Richard Sheski questioning ABC's direction, related to Jimmy Kimmel's show suspension and Hollywood reactions.

Comment from Brenda Ortiz criticizing a Fox host amid reactions to Jimmy Kimmel's show suspension.

Screenshot of a social media comment by Rebecca Costas quoting Chris Murphy about something dark coming.

Comment by Robin T Smith reacting to Jimmy Kimmel's controversial statement causing show suspension, with sad and shocked emojis.

Comment by Jeff Kent stating "This is how civilizations unravel" with 280 likes, related to Jimmy Kimmel show suspension.

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Comment by Brandi Leann Baldwin supporting Jimmy Kimmel's free speech after his show suspension, as Hollywood reacts.

Screenshot of a social media comment reacting to Jimmy Kimmel and Hollywood stars discussing the show's suspension.

Comment by MC Lee about Jimmy Kimmel's joke that led to his show suspension and Hollywood stars' reactions.

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