Danica Patrick has vocally supported the indefinite suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel from ABC, spotlighting a sharp remark from Charlie Kirk to underscore her stance.
The former NASCAR and IndyCar driver, who endorsed Donald Trump in last year’s election campaign, expressed her approval after ABC pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! from its schedule this week.
On her Instagram, Patrick shared her perspective, writing: “Human decency is making a comeback. Praise be.”
She amplified her message by reposting a biting 2017 tweet from Kirk about Kimmel, which stated: “Jimmy Kimmel isn’t funny.”
Her actions were widely seen as Patrick cleverly leveraging Kirk’s words to highlight her disapproval of the embattled host.
Kimmel’s Controversy Unfolds
Kimmel’s troubles began with comments made during Monday’s broadcast, where he addressed the assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
“The MAGA crowd [is] working hard to paint this kid who killed Charlie Kirk as anything but one of their own, doing all they can to gain political leverage from it,” Kimmel remarked in his monologue.
However, the narrative shifted when the suspected shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, faced court on Tuesday, charged with aggravated murder among other counts. Authorities revealed Robinson held far-left views and was romantically involved with his transgender roommate, contradicting Kimmel’s claim of conservative ties.
Swift Backlash and Suspension
The response was immediate. By Wednesday, ABC confirmed that Jimmy Kimmel Live! was “pre-empted indefinitely.” Nexstar Media, an affiliate group owning numerous ABC stations, issued a statement expressing “strong objections” to Kimmel’s remarks, announcing plans to replace the show with alternative programming in its ABC markets.
Polarized Reactions
The suspension sparked intense discussion. Prominent left-leaning figures defended Kimmel, framing the decision as a blow to free expression, while conservative voices celebrated it as a long-overdue reckoning.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr entered the conversation, speaking with podcaster Benny Johnson about the possibility of a formal inquiry into Kimmel and ABC. Later, on Fox News with Sean Hannity, Carr described Kimmel’s situation as “facing the repercussions” of his statements.
Reports indicate Kimmel was “furious” after the abrupt cancellation of Wednesday’s taping, where he had intended to address the growing controversy.
Danica Patrick’s Strategic Move
For Patrick, Kimmel’s suspension represented more than a media storm—it was a cultural triumph. By sharing Kirk’s 2017 tweet, she aligned with supporters who saw the moment as poetic justice.
The reposted tweet gained significant traction online, with many users describing it as a “full circle moment” tying Kimmel to his past exchanges with Kirk.
What Lies Ahead for Kimmel
Currently, ABC is filling Kimmel’s late-night slot with substitute programming. Whether Kimmel will return remains unclear, but with voices like Danica Patrick and the echo of Kirk’s words adding fuel, this controversy has cemented itself as one of the year’s most gripping media stories.
