Suspension Of Jimmy Kimmel TV Show Blasted By Bergen County Congressman Who Worked For FCC

BERGEN COUNTY,NJ – After comedian Jimmy Kimmel made reference to the suspect in the Charlie Kirk shooting in his monologue on Monday night, Disney/ABC suspended the show indefinitely. A number of political officials said the move is dangerous for free speech, including Rep. Josh Gottheimer from Bergen County.

READ MORE: Jimmy Kimmel Firestorm: 6 Things To Know About The Controversy And What Comes Next

Gottheimer, a Democrat, noted in a statement that he used to work for the Federal Communications Commission. He was the senior advisor to the chairman and director of public-private initiatives.

“As someone who has had the privilege of working at the FCC, I know how vital freedom of speech and a free press are to the foundation of our democracy," he said Thursday. "That’s why it’s so troubling to see the Trump Administration and FCC Chair Brendan Carr abusing their power to silence and censor anyone who disagrees with them."

The ABC suspension came after Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr criticized the comments and said, "These companies can find ways to take action on Kimmel, or there is going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.”

Media sources reported that ABC is under pressure from Nexstar, a company that owns many ABC affiliates and needs FCC approval to buy another broadcasting company.

Nexstar called Kimmel's comments "offensive and insensitive" in a statement released Wednesday.

Can Come Back

However, Sinclair, a company that owns many ABC affiliates, said Kimmel can come back if he makes a donation to Kirk's family and to his nonprofit. News outlets reported that Kirk was worth $12 million and that more than $5 million more has been raised to help his family after the loss.

Kimmel said in the monologue Monday, "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. In between the finger-pointing, there was grieving..." (The comments start at 2:02)

Gottheimer said, "The killing of Charlie Kirk was tragic, and we must also do everything possible to lower the temperature and engage in meaningful dialogue with those we disagree with."

He added, "At a time of rising threats and division, we must recommit ourselves to civility, respect, and the free exchange of ideas — especially our freedom of speech — that make our democracy strong."

Across Political Spectrum

Carr was quoted this week as saying "We're not done yet," hinting that other shows might wind up on the chopping block, according to reports.

President Donald Trump praised the suspension on Thursday, while past President Barack Obama condemned it.

Late-night host Stephen Colbert addressed the matter Thursday night on his show, which is ending next year, saying the recent events are "blatant censorship, and it always starts small."

READ MORE: Jimmy Kimmel Firestorm: 6 Things To Know About The Controversy And What Comes Next
READ MORE: 'Horrified': NJ Reacts After Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Shot Dead At University Event