Unrepentant Jimmy Kimmel Refused To Apologize After Charlie Kirk Outrage — And Planned To Double-Down On MAGA Attacks: Report

Jimmy Kimmel has reportedly refused to back down from the comments he made linking MAGA supporters to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, insisting he had no intention of apologizing and was preparing to escalate his criticism of Trump’s base before his program was taken off the air, according to new reports.

The late-night host was informed by Disney executive Dana Walden on Wednesday that his show would be pulled indefinitely, Deadline reported, citing insiders familiar with the conversation.

During that call, Kimmel was said to have rejected pressure from critics and the owners of numerous ABC affiliate stations who wanted him to retract his remarks.

Another source told The Hollywood Reporter that Kimmel believed there was no reason to issue any kind of apology.

The “Jimmy Kimmel Live” star also intended to confront his detractors head-on while attempting to further explain what he had meant about Kirk’s killing.

Kimmel has argued that his words were distorted after he said on Monday’s broadcast that the “MAGA gang” was “desperately” trying to label the accused shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, as a left-wing extremist.

Disney, however, reportedly feared that if Kimmel intensified his attacks on Trump supporters, the company would have no choice but to impose harsher consequences than simply taking the program off the air, Deadline reported.

Whether Kimmel will return to the late-night slot after Disney’s move remains uncertain.

The backlash reached Washington, with Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr condemning Kimmel’s monologue and urging Disney to act after what he described as “some of the sickest conduct possible.”

Kimmel also drew fire from Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar, two major owners of ABC affiliates, both of which criticized him and removed his show from their local lineups.

Sinclair went further, demanding Kimmel personally apologize to Kirk’s relatives and contribute a “meaningful personal donation” to Turning Point USA, the group Kirk founded.

The company said it would not air Kimmel’s show on its more than 40 ABC affiliates “until formal discussions are held with ABC regarding the network’s commitment to professionalism and accountability.”

Both Sinclair and Nexstar have faced accusations of siding with the Trump administration in hopes of smoothing the path for billion-dollar mergers requiring FCC approval.

On Wednesday, ABC officially confirmed that Kimmel’s late-night program had been suspended indefinitely because of his Monday night monologue.

{Matzav.com}