Trump responds with fiery rant as Jimmy Kimmel is taken off air over 'offensive' Charlie Kirk comments
Trump has responded to the news that Jimmy Kimmel is being taken off air following 'offensive' comments about Charlie Kirk.
The comedian has reportedly had his show 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' pulled 'indefinitely' following backlash about the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Kirk was fatally shot in the neck while speaking to thousands at an event at Utah Valley University the previous Wednesday (10 September). Suspect 22-year-old Tyler Robinson has since been arrested and charged with murder.
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During Monday night's show (15 September), Kimmel said: "The MAGA Gang desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it."
The 57-year-old also allegedly disapproved of flags being flown at half mast in honour of Kirk and mocked Trump's reaction to the shooting.
"This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he calls a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish," added the late-night host.
On the day of the incident, Kimmel posted on Instagram, sending 'love' to Kirk's family.
Now, while the decision for ABC to axe his show has reportedly made him 'absolutely f***ing livid,' the network said the suspension is the 'last straw' for Kimmel, who is reportedly looking to end his contract with ABC.
In response, Donald Trump described the move as 'great news for America.'
The POTUS wrote on his platform Truth Social: "The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done."
He then went on to say: "Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that’s possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!! President DJT".
Meanwhile, FCC head Carr, a Trump appointee, had earlier called Kimmel's monologue 'the sickest conduct possible,' urging the Disney network to take action.
"[Broadcasters] have a license granted by us at the FCC, and that comes with it an obligation to operate in the public interest," the Trump appointee told the Benny Show, a conservative podcast. He explained that an apology from Kimmel would be a 'very reasonable, minimal step.'
After getting pulled off the air, Kimmel slipped out of the studio on Hollywood Boulevard in a flannel and cap.
Fans who had been lining up to watch the show live were left disappointed by the sudden cancellation.