Benny Johnson's Wife Claims Husband Caused Kimmel's Suspension

Background on the Situation

The recent controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel Live! has sparked a significant reaction from various stakeholders, including the network ABC, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and even the personal circle of Jimmy Kimmel. The show was taken off the air due to Kimmel’s remarks regarding the death of American political activist Charlie Kirk. This event has led to discussions about the implications of such statements in the media landscape.

Charlie Kirk was tragically shot dead while speaking at an event held at Utah Valley University in Orem on September 10, 2025. His passing ignited a wave of reactions, particularly from Kimmel, whose comments were seen as controversial by some. In response, several entities took action, leading to the indefinite suspension of the show.

The Role of Benny Johnson's Wife

Benny Johnson's wife, Kate Johnson, made public statements regarding the situation, claiming that her husband was responsible for the decision to take Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air. She shared an article from Variety titled “ABC Pulls ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ Indefinitely After Nexstar Backlash to Host’s Charlie Kirk Comments,” which highlighted the backlash against Kimmel’s remarks.

In her post, she wrote: “My husband @bennyjohnson made this happen. FAFO.” While her comments received support from some online users, others expressed skepticism about whether it was indeed her husband who influenced the network's decision.

FCC Chairman's Response

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman, Brendan Carr, appeared on Benny Johnson's podcast on September 17, where he criticized Kimmel’s remarks and issued a warning to local broadcasters. He described Kimmel’s comments as the "sickest conduct possible" and emphasized the importance of addressing such issues seriously.

Carr stated, “Disney needs to see some change here, but the individual licensed stations that are taking their content, it's time for them to step up and say this, you know, garbage to the extent that that's what comes down the pipe in the future isn't something that we think serves the needs of our local communities.”

He also suggested that there could be a path forward for Kimmel's suspension, indicating the potential consequences of his remarks.

Nexstar Media Group's Decision

Following Carr's comments, Nexstar Media Group Inc. announced that it would not air Jimmy Kimmel Live! for the foreseeable future, starting with the September 17 episode. This decision marked a significant shift in how the network responded to the controversy surrounding Kimmel’s remarks.

While some users praised Benny Johnson for his role in the decision, others pointed out that the pressure came from multiple sources, including the FCC and other affiliate stations. One user remarked, “Well let’s not ignore the literal millions of others who posted about it, emailed about and called ABC and their advertisers about it.”

Another user added, “I love Benny, and I understand you love him (in a totally different way) but this simply is not true. The FCC pressured ABC, affiliate stations pressured ABC, etc and together they all took down Jimmy Kimmel.”

Kimmel's Remarks on Charlie Kirk

During his monologue on the September 16, 2025, episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel made controversial remarks about Charlie Kirk's suspected killer, Tyler Robinson. He criticized the MAGA group for trying to distance themselves from the murder and accused them of attempting to score political points from it.

Kimmel also mocked President Donald Trump's response to Kirk's death, highlighting the President's abrupt shift to discussing the construction of a new White House ballroom. He humorously remarked, “He's at the fourth stage of grief: construction. This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he called a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish, OK?”

Kimmel further pointed out that Trump had previously switched topics mid-discussion when asked about Kirk, showing a video of the President talking about the White House ballroom during an interview. He concluded, “There’s something wrong with him, there really is. Who thinks like that?”

Conclusion

The incident involving Jimmy Kimmel Live! underscores the complex relationship between media, politics, and public opinion. As the situation continues to unfold, it raises important questions about the responsibilities of public figures and the impact of their words on the broader discourse. The involvement of various stakeholders, from the FCC to individual viewers, highlights the multifaceted nature of this controversy.