Jimmy Kimmel claims he's being followed as he breaks silence after show suspension

GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA: Jimmy Kimmel made his first comment on September 19, following his suspension for his comment on Charlie Kirk and Donald Trump. He remarked that he’s living in ‘strange times’ and claimed he’s been followed. 

One of the United States' top television hosts said this to his long-time friend and Man Show collaborator, Adam Carolla, who in turn shared the text message on his ‘The Adam Carolla Show’.

Jimmy Kimmel's first comment following his suspension

According to the text messages, Kimmel told Carolla that he thinks that a helicopter has been following him.

Carolla contacted him hours after the news about him being fired by ABC and Disney broke out, for saying that MAGA was exploiting Charlie Kirk’s death for political gains. 

On September 18, Nexstar Media, a station group, also announced that it is canceling ABC’s 'Jimmy Kimmel Show' due to the row caused by his comments. 

The same day, Deuxmoi, a pseudonymous Instagram account that posts celebrity gossip, published photos of Kimmel driving in Los Angeles. 

Jimmy Kimmel's statement that drew backlash

On September 15, during his Monday night monologue about Kirk’s suspected killer, he called Trump supporters, ‘The MAGA Gang,’ which didn't go well with the right wing.

The next day, on September 16, Kimmel doubled down, saying, “Many in MAGA-land are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk.”

Since then, the issue has been brewing all week among the executive ranks of ABC and its parent company, Disney. 

Things escalated the next day, on September 17, when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair, Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, threatened to pull the broadcast license of the ABC affiliate during a conservative podcast.

Carr then accused Kimmel of "the sickest conduct possible" and demanded an apology. 

Nexstar’s move to cancel the show came after this, who remarked, "offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse".

After his state visit, referring to the late-night shows and networks, Trump said, "All they do is hit Trump... They are licensed. They are not allowed to do that."

Solidarity from fellow hosts and audience

On September 18, demonstrators picketed in front of The Walt Disney Studio over the suspension of the late-night show. 

Several late-night show hosts, including Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, Seth Meyers, Jimmy Fallon, and former host David Letterman, rallied behind Kimmel, expressing solidarity for him, citing the collision of freedom of speech.

Politically sensitive climate following Charlie Kirk's death

Charlie Kirk, a conservative right-wing activist and founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), was killed on September 10 while speaking at a public debate during an event at Utah Valley University Campus. 

Kirk’s death has sent a wave of controversy, causing professional repercussions and even political violence over posts criticising Kirk. Kimmel’s suspension can also be attributed to this. 

Recently, on September 17, even former President Barack Obama was slammed by JD Vance for his remark about Kirk.