Jimmy Kimmel has refused to apologize or donate to the family of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, despite demands from Sinclair Broadcast Group, a major ABC affiliate owner. The pressure followed ABC’s indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! after backlash over Kimmel’s monologue, which criticized political groups for allegedly exploiting Kirk’s death. Sinclair called ABC’s action insufficient and demanded a public apology and a personal donation to Kirk’s family and Turning Point USA as conditions for returning the show to its stations.

Nexstar Media Group also pulled the show, citing concerns over “community values,” further cutting its national reach. While some media figures defended Kimmel on free speech grounds, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr supported the affiliates’ decisions but denied any regulatory role. ABC maintains the show is temporarily pre-empted, not canceled, but Sinclair insists it won’t return without a direct apology and donation. The standoff underscores growing tensions between network hosts, affiliate control, and the boundaries of editorial expression, leaving the show’s future in limbo.