‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ off air after remarks about Kirk

Walt Disney-owned ABC said Wednesday it was pulling "Jimmy Kimmel Live" off the air, after comments by the late-night show's host about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk prompted a threat by the head of the top US communications regulator against Disney.

- REUTERS

President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly pressured broadcasters to stop airing content he has found objectionable, celebrated the news in a social media post. A number of Democratic lawmakers assailed the decision, saying free speech was under attack.

The suspension of Kimmel's show marked the latest action taken against media figures, academic workers, teachers and corporate employees over their remarks about Kirk following his assassination.

Republican leaders and conservative commentators have warned Americans to mourn Kirk respectfully or suffer consequences, and some people have been fired or suspended after discussing the killing online.

Kimmel, who has frequently targeted Trump on his latenight comedy show, drew fire for remarks he made about the killing in his monologue Monday.