Former U.S. President Barack Obama has spoken out about the unexpected suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” after a week of controversy surrounding comments made by the late-night host. The situation has quickly grown into a flashpoint over free speech, political criticism, and the ongoing debate about so-called “cancel culture.”
ABC Announces Indefinite Suspension
On Wednesday, September 17, an ABC spokesperson confirmed that the long-running late-night program would be “pre-empted indefinitely.” While the network did not provide detailed reasons, the announcement came just days after a widely discussed monologue from Kimmel that drew sharp reactions from viewers and political figures alike.
The 57-year-old comedian and host has long been a fixture of American television. “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” first aired in 2003 and has often featured political humor alongside celebrity interviews. But this latest episode has proven to be one of the show’s most controversial moments.
Kimmel’s Controversial Segment
During his recent broadcast, Kimmel addressed the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who died on September 10. He criticized the way some political groups were reacting to the incident and also referred to the alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson.
He then showed a clip of former President Donald Trump being asked about Kirk’s passing. Trump replied that he was “doing very good” before pivoting to a discussion about the White House’s ballroom renovations. Kimmel responded with a joke:
The segment quickly went viral, with some viewers applauding Kimmel for his candor and others accusing him of going too far.
Obama’s Warning on Threads
Shortly after ABC’s decision, Barack Obama used Threads to share a report about the show’s suspension and issue a warning about what he called a “new and dangerous” escalation of cancel culture.
His comments drew tens of thousands of reactions online, with supporters praising him for defending free expression and critics arguing that networks also have the right to enforce their own standards.
Trump Celebrates the Move
Meanwhile, Donald Trump publicly celebrated ABC’s announcement. In a post on his social platform, he wrote:
He went on to criticize Kimmel’s ratings and compared them to other late-night hosts:
Broader Debate About Free Speech and Media
The suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” has quickly become about more than one host or one network. It highlights the tension between broadcasters trying to maintain advertising relationships, public officials’ criticism of the press, and the larger political debate about what should — or should not — be acceptable commentary on national television.
Kimmel’s show has a long history of mixing comedy and politics, and he has been openly critical of figures on the right, particularly Donald Trump, during and after his presidency. Supporters see this as part of the tradition of American satire, while opponents say it crosses the line into bias.
Obama’s remarks added a powerful voice to the conversation, underscoring that the debate over cancel culture now extends far beyond social media “callouts” to include claims of government pressure on media organizations.
What Happens Next
It is not yet clear how long “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will remain off the air. ABC has not announced a replacement schedule, and Kimmel himself has not publicly addressed the suspension beyond what was said on his program.
Whether the show returns soon or not, the controversy has already sparked headlines worldwide and fueled discussions on podcasts, news programs, and social platforms. For viewers and advertisers alike, the story raises larger questions: Can political comedy still thrive in today’s polarized climate? And where should networks draw the line between edgy commentary and content that risks backlash?
As of now, both Barack Obama and Donald Trump are using the situation to highlight their opposing views on media freedom and accountability, ensuring that the debate over Kimmel’s suspension — and cancel culture more broadly — will continue for weeks to come.
