Sinclair, the media company that operates as the largest ABC affiliate group, has issued a list of demands in order for Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show to return to the air.
“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,” a press release issued on Wednesday reads.
The local TV giant also called for Kimmel himself to “issue a direct apology” to Charlie Kirk’s family, given it was remarks the comedian made about the slain conservative that cost his show to be pulled.
“Furthermore, we ask Mr. Kimmel to make a meaningful personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA,” Sinclair added.
Page Six has reached out to Kimmel’s reps for comment but did not immediately hear back.
However, sources told Deadline Thursday the late-night host is “unwilling to apologize for his remarks.”
The outlet also reported that Kimmel, 57, learned his 22-year run on ABC was put on pause via a phone call on Wednesday afternoon.
Earlier that day, Sinclair vice chairman Jason Smith slammed the “Man Show” alum’s remarks about Kirk — who was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University — as “inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country.”
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Brendan Carr also said on “The Benny Show” podcast Wednesday, “When you look at the conduct that has taken place by Jimmy Kimmel, it appears to be some of the sickest conduct possible.”
“There are avenues here for the FCC — so there are some ways in which I need to be a little bit careful because we could be called ultimately to be a judge on some of these claims that come up. But, I don’t think this is an isolated incident.”
Sinclair announced Wednesday that they were going to indefinitely preempt “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on ABC affiliates, and ABC subsequently decided to suspend the production of the show.
Sources told the Daily Mail that Kimmel is “absolutely f–king livid” over the decision and is reportedly looking to get out of his contract with ABC.
The remarks that got the comedian in hot water in the first place aired during Monday’s broadcast of his show. He said at the time, “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang trying to characterize this kid who killed Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.”
Kimmel also poked fun at how President Trump grieved the loss of his longtime supporter, showing a clip of the commander-in-chief, 79, diverting a press question about Kirk’s death to highlight new construction plans on the White House.
However, Kimmel took a much tamer approach to discussing the topic via his Instagram, writing, “Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human?”
Since the news of the show suspension broke, Trump publicly gloated via Truth Social, “Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED.”
“Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done,” the president added.
“Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that’s possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!! President DJT.”
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