In a sickening social media post, former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann directed harsh words at Sinclair Broadcast Group and Charlie Kirk following the decision by major ABC‑affiliated stations to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air. The controversy revolves around remarks Jimmy Kimmel made about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and the ensuing backlash.
On September 18, Olbermann took to X to express his anger. “Burn in hell, Sinclair. Alongside Charlie Kirk,” he wrote.
The chain of events began earlier in the week when Jimmy Kimmel, during his late‑night monologue, criticized what he described as efforts by MAGA‑aligned individuals to distance themselves from the man arrested for Kirk’s murder, while still attempting to capitalize politically on the tragedy. He said, “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.”
After those remarks, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr publicly condemned Kimmel’s comments and urged broadcasters to hold ABC and its affiliates accountable. Several major station owners, including Nexstar and Sinclair, responded by preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely in their markets.
Sinclair released a statement saying that ABC’s suspension of the show was “not enough,” and called for additional action. The company demanded that Kimmel issue a direct apology to the Kirk family, make a “meaningful personal donation” to both the family and Turning Point USA, Kirk’s political organization, and that formal discussions take place with ABC to assure professionalism and accountability.
In place of Kimmel’s show, Sinclair plans to air a tribute special for Charlie Kirk in Kimmel’s time slot on Friday. The station group made clear they will not return Jimmy Kimmel Live! to their air until their conditions are met.
Supporters of Kimmel and advocates for free speech have condemned the moves by Sinclair, Nexstar, and the FCC chair, warning of censorship and pressure on creative content. The Writers Guild of America, SAG‑AFTRA, other unions, and figures on the left have described the suspension as unprecedented.
On the conservative side, many have defended the actions taken by Sinclair and Nexstar, viewing them as necessary pushback against what they characterize as irresponsible political commentary. FCC Chair Brendan Carr praised Nexstar for “doing the right thing” in pulling Kimmel’s show, citing broadcasters’ “obligation to serve the public interest” and urging them to reconsider programming that conflicts with community values.
ABC has confirmed that Jimmy Kimmel Live! is pre‑empted indefinitely. The network has not yet detailed what, if any, editorial changes or stipulations will be required for its return. Kimmel’s team has not issued a public response to Sinclair’s demands, at least as of the latest reports.
Olbermann’s remarks came after blaming Donald Trump for Kirk’s murder on his podcast, saying: ‘Charlie Kirk died because he lived in Donald Trump’s America.’
