FCC's Carr Warned ABC and Disney

The controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel's comments erupted shortly after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, on September 10, 2025, in Utah. 

During the Monday, episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel addressed the killing in his monologue, stating: "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." 

He further accused figures like Vice President JD Vance of baselessly blaming the left without evidence. Conservatives, including Fox News hosts like Greg Gutfeld, condemned the remarks as "delusional" and insensitive, arguing they mocked a tragedy and mischaracterized the shooter's motives.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr played a pivotal role in escalating the situation. Wednesday during an appearance on podcaster Benny Johnson's show, Carr labeled Kimmel's comments "the sickest conduct possible" and "truly sick," suggesting they violated broadcasters' obligations under FCC licenses. 

He warned ABC and Disney: "We can do this the easy way or the hard way. These companies can find ways to change conduct and take action, frankly, on Kimmel, or there’s going to be additional work for the FCC ahead." 

Carr explicitly endorsed suspension or firing as "reasonable" remedies and hinted at potential fines or license revocation, stating the FCC would examine "remedies" for content that fails to serve the public interest.

Carr argued: "Something’s gone seriously awry... They went from being court jesters that would make fun of everybody to enforcing a narrow political ideology." 

Reactions to Carr's praise and the suspension have been sharply divided, reflecting the polarized media landscape:

• Many on the right hailed Carr's stance as accountability for "Hollywood elites" and anti-conservative bias. Trump himself praised the suspension on Truth Social, calling it a "win for real Americans." 
• Fox News and podcasters like Benny Johnson amplified Carr's comments, with users on X like
• @NotSoInteres thanking him directly. Turning Point USA, now under interim leadership, has not commented on the donation demands but has seen a surge in support. Affiliates like Nexstar (seeking FCC approval for a merger with Tegna) and Sinclair positioned their actions as defending "community values."
• Democrats and media watchdogs decried it as censorship and an abuse of power. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, the sole Democrat, accused Carr of exploiting Kirk's death for "broader censorship and control."