The ramifications of Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension are far-reaching and cannot yet be fully assessed. One consequence looks to be particularly painful.
In a press release Sinclair makes clear that, as the nation’s largest ABC affiliate group, they will not return Jimmy Kimmel Live! to air unless certain conditions are met. Per the release:
Sinclair’s ABC stations will air a special in remembrance of Charlie Kirk this Friday, during Jimmy Kimmel Live’s timeslot. The special will also air across all Sinclair stations this weekend. In addition, Sinclair is offering the special to all ABC affiliates across the country.
Sinclair will not lift the suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on our stations until formal discussions are held with ABC regarding the network’s commitment to professionalism and accountability.
Sinclair also calls upon Mr. Kimmel to issue a direct apology to the Kirk family. Furthermore, we ask Mr. Kimmel to make a meaningful personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA.
One only imagines what went through Kimmel’s mind upon discovering that his newly available timeslot will be given over to a special honoring the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk. The apology and donation conditions are a painful blow as well, and while it is unclear whether Kimmel’s show will return to ABC, it is crystal clear that he’s not coming back to Sinclair air unless these conditions are met.
All Kimmel had to do was proffer some harmless expression of concern and sympathy to the family. Or, he could’ve said nothing. Instead, he chose to spread baseless theories about the shooter despite a body of publicly available evidence to the contrary. Free speech is and remains free, but one is never exempt from any consequences that may follow. Kimmel is learning about that the painful way.
