Disney’s ABC yanks Jimmy Kimmel Live! off air after remarks about Kirk

Walt Disney-owned ABC said on 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.

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President Donald J. 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 Mr. Kimmel’s show marked the latest action taken against media figures, academic workers, teachers, and corporate employees over their remarks about Mr. Kirk following his assassination.

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

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

"We hit some new lows over the weekend, with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it," Mr. Kimmel said.

Mr. Kirk, a 31-year-old activist and Trump-world celebrity known for his right-wing views and pugnacious debating style, was shot in the neck while speaking at a Utah university a week ago. A 22-year-old suspect has been charged with his murder, and his precise motive remains unclear.