On September 28th, 2025, popular TV show host, Jimmy Kimmel, best known for Jimmy Kimmel Live, was taken off air and indefinitely fired by parent company, ABC. Kimmel had hosted this show for over twenty years, and Americans nationwide were left shocked and abundantly opinionated in the wake of this news.

Throughout the past two decades, Kimmel’s show has hosted hundreds of Hollywood’s most prestigious celebrities and stars. Kimmel’s trademark interviewing style often included inviting guests to his show and probing them about their personal lives, humanizing what the public previously perceived as untouchable Hollywood royalty.  The renowned Jimmy Kimmel Live has even hosted major cultural events like the Grammys and Emmys on multiple occasions.  However, with the recent cancellation of his show, it is doubtful that Jimmy Kimmel Live will hold any more award ceremonies—at least for the foreseeable future. 

Now, why exactly was Kimmel fired? The indefinite cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel Live was executed after what was perceived as a hurtful comment regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk—by the show’s host, Jimmy Kimmel, and the public outrage that ensued. Kimmel had reported that the shooter was more aligned with the conservative standpoint, as opposed to a liberal one, going as far as to say that “The MAGA gang is 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.” Evidently, this turbulent characterization from Kimmel garnered public pushback, and the pressure for ABC to take action was building rapidly.  Public perception fell under the guise that Kimmel was undermining the tragedy and political implications of Charlie Kirk’s murder.

Therefore, following the scandal, ABC made the decision to indefinitely let Kimmel go. This controversial choice led countless political figures, even past presidents, like President Obama to come out and declare that free speech is under attack. Obama wrote on X, “After years of complaining about cancel culture, the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level.”  Many others aligned with President Obama have made their positions clear about their thoughts on Kimmel’s termination.  On the other hand, many more have concurred with ABC’s decision to fire Jimmy Kimmel. 

So, the question stands: do you think ABC was justified in their decision or do you think Kimmel’s termination is just another example of free speech being under attack? 

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