"What happened to free speech?": Internet reacts as Sinclair to replace 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' with Charlie Kirk special

ABC's long-running program, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has been pulled off the air "indefinitely" following host Jimmy Kimmel's comments about the fatal shooting of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.

Amid this suspension drama, Sinclair Broadcast Group has announced that Jimmy Kimmel's regular Friday slot will be filled with a tribute special for Charlie Kirk. The group is one of the largest owners of local television stations in the United States.

The move has sparked debate among netizens. One such enthusiast asked,

"Really what happened to free speech?"

Fresh💰

@Just_toofresh

Really what happened to free speech?

Sinclair's statement on replacing Jimmy Kimmel's show

In an officially issued statement, the broadcast group mentioned:

"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."

They also added:

"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. Regardless of ABC's plans for the future of the program, Sinclair intends not to return "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" to our air until we are confident that appropriate steps have been taken to uphold the standards expected of a national broadcast platform."

Sinclair VC Jason Smith added:

"Mr. Kimmel's remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country. We believe broadcasters have a responsibility to educate and elevate respectful, constructive dialogue in our communities. We appreciate FCC Chairman Carr's remarks today and this incident highlights the critical need for the FCC to take immediate regulatory action to address control held over local broadcasters by the big national networks."

Netizens were quick to weigh in on the matter as they shared opinions across social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Below are some of their reactions:

"nobody watches this broadcast group anyways", declared a netizen.

"Freedom of speech protects you from going to prison, not losing your job 👋🏼", penned another.

"Who really wins? What's the end goal with this?", asked a third.

Others also chimed in:

"Charlie kirk is a National Hero, he deserves some respect", opined an X user.

"ABC have been looking for a reason to get rid of Jimmy Kimmel the same way as CBS got rid of Stephen Colbert. I don't agree with anything that they have both said on those shows for many years but they still must have a First amendment right freedom of speech and expression. If ABC have done this to Jimmy Kimmel they have no excuse to keep The View and all of the so called reporters. At the end of the day any speech must be free.", commented another.

"So we aren't allowed to have opinions anymore 😭💀", expressed a third.

On September 15, 2025, Kimmel delivered a monologue about Kirk's assassination at Utah Valley University. During his remarks, the comedian accused "the MAGA gang" of attempting to politicize the tragedy. His comments were condemned by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who called them "truly sick."

Following this, Sinclair and Nexstar Media Group, two ABC affiliates, announced they would stop airing the show. ABC responded by suspending production.

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