In a surprising turn of events, Bill Maher has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel’s comments about Charlie Kirk’s assassination, which led to the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! from its regular slot. Maher, known for his sharp wit and political commentary, offered his take on the situation, expressing support for his longtime friend while also acknowledging that Kimmel’s remarks were off-base.
The Controversy: Kimmel’s Monologue
The incident began when Jimmy Kimmel, during his Jimmy Kimmel Live! show, made a controversial connection between right-wing activist Charlie Kirk’s tragic death and Donald Trump’s MAGA agenda. Kimmel implied that the assassin responsible for killing Kirk, who was shot during an event at Utah Valley University, could have been affiliated with the MAGA movement.
Kimmel’s comments quickly sparked outrage, particularly among conservative viewers, with many calling his remarks irresponsible and politically charged. As a result, ABC made the decision to pull Kimmel’s show indefinitely. The backlash intensified when Charlie Kirk was identified as the target of a sniper on stage, leading to further scrutiny of Kimmel’s statements.
Charlie Kirk was killed on stage by a sniper earlier this month (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images)
Bill Maher’s Response: Support and Critique
Bill Maher, a fellow late-night host and longtime friend of Kimmel, addressed the situation in his own monologue on Real Time with Bill Maher on September 19. While Maher showed support for Kimmel, he also expressed that the comedian’s comments were “not exactly right.”
“Well, I guess you all heard Jimmy Kimmel, my friend, my compatriot, he’s canned by ABC for comments he made about Charlie Kirk’s assassin,” Maher began, referencing the immediate fallout.
Maher further remarked that the head of the FCC had even suggested revoking ABC’s broadcasting license, showcasing the gravity of the situation. Despite the serious consequences, Maher offered a somewhat lighter take, saying, “I’m not intimidated by the FCC. And if President Trump is watching, I have one thing to say to you — have you lost weight?”
Although Maher made it clear that he disagreed with Kimmel’s assessment of the situation, he stood by his friend. “Jimmy, look, I don’t think what he said was exactly right. I don’t agree, we don’t agree on that,” Maher confessed.
But in a lighthearted jab, Maher added: “Jimmy, pal, I am with you, I support you, and on the bright side, you don’t have to pretend anymore that you like Disneyland.” Maher’s trademark humor was evident, even while addressing such a serious issue.
The hosts have been friends for a long time. (Randy Holmes / Contributor / Getty)
A Staunch Defense: Why Kimmel Shouldn’t Lose His Job
Despite acknowledging Kimmel’s mistake, Maher took a firm stance against the idea of firing him. “Jimmy’s wrong, I think, to put him in one team,” Maher said, emphasizing that the alleged killer Tyler Robinson didn’t belong to either political party and should be viewed as an individual with severe mental health issues.
Maher continued, “Tyler Robinson doesn’t belong in either party—he belongs in a straitjacket,” suggesting that the blame for such a heinous act should not be placed on any political ideology but rather on the individual responsible.
Moreover, Maher was quick to note that Kimmel, despite his misstep, shouldn’t face termination. “Jimmy should not lose his job over this,” Maher stated, calling for a fair and measured response to the controversy. In a personal anecdote, Maher reminded viewers that he had his own controversial moment years ago, referencing his cancellation by ABC after a joke about the 9/11 attacks.
“And Jimmy Kimmel took my slot! I got canceled before cancel even had a culture,” Maher joked, adding that Kimmel would likely land on a new network in the future. “If this firing goes for you the way it did for me, you’ll get 23 years on a better network.”
Kimmel’s Remarks: A Risky Joke
For context, Kimmel’s remarks that led to his suspension involved a segment in which he ridiculed President Trump’s response to the assassination of Charlie Kirk. After the news broke, the White House lowered the flags to half-staff, which Kimmel sarcastically commented on, mocking the President’s seemingly indifferent attitude toward the loss of his “good friend.”
The segment included footage of President Trump responding to questions about Kirk’s death, where he appeared unfazed, transitioning the conversation to the White House’s ballroom construction. Kimmel quipped, “Yes, he’s at the fourth stage of grief, construction. Demolition, construction. This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he called a friend. This is how a 4-year-old mourns a goldfish, okay?”
While Kimmel’s humor may have been intended as a sharp critique, it hit a nerve, leading to accusations of insensitivity. This was exacerbated by the context of Kirk’s assassination and the ongoing political tension in the U.S.
Trump Celebrates Kimmel’s Suspension
As the controversy grew, former President Donald Trump chimed in with a statement via Truth Social. Trump celebrated Kimmel’s suspension, claiming it was a win for America. “Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED,” Trump wrote, adding that Kimmel had “ZERO talent” and even lower ratings than Stephen Colbert.
Trump’s social media post reflected the deep political divide surrounding the incident, with Kimmel’s liberal leanings clashing with Trump’s conservative followers. The irony of Trump celebrating Kimmel’s suspension, despite both being entertainers in the same industry, was not lost on many.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Political Sensitivity
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the complex intersection between humor, politics, and public reaction. While comedy can be a powerful tool for social commentary, it also carries the risk of alienating viewers and causing significant backlash, especially when it touches on sensitive issues like violent tragedies and political affiliations.
For Kimmel, this moment may prove to be a learning experience, as his Jimmy Kimmel Live! show faces an uncertain future. For Maher, it’s yet another chapter in his long history of navigating controversy with humor and perspective. Regardless of the outcome, the situation highlights the ongoing tension between entertainment, politics, and the boundaries of comedy.
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