Danica Patrick has intensified scrutiny of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, applauding his indefinite suspension from ABC by highlighting a sharp-witted remark from Charlie Kirk.
The former NASCAR and IndyCar driver, who endorsed Donald Trump during last year’s election campaign, expressed her sentiments boldly following the announcement that Jimmy Kimmel Live! was removed from broadcast this week.
On her Instagram, Patrick shared the news with a caption: “Human decency is making a comeback. Thank goodness.”
She amplified her stance by sharing a pointed 2017 tweet from Kirk about Kimmel, which stated: “Jimmy Kimmel isn’t funny.”
Her action was widely interpreted as Patrick cleverly engaging with the suspended host, leveraging the late conservative activist’s words to underscore her point.
Kimmel Faces Controversy
Kimmel’s troubles originated from comments made during Monday’s episode, where he addressed the assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
“The MAGA group [is] frantically attempting to portray this individual who killed Charlie Kirk as anything but one of their own, doing all they can to gain political advantage from it,” Kimmel remarked in his monologue.
The issue? The suspected shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, faced court on Tuesday with charges including aggravated murder. Authorities revealed Robinson held far-left views and was in a romantic relationship with his transgender roommate, challenging Kimmel’s suggestion that Robinson aligned with conservative ideologies.
The response was immediate. By Wednesday, ABC confirmed that Kimmel’s program was “pre-empted indefinitely.” Nexstar Media, an affiliate group owning numerous ABC stations, declared on Wednesday that it “firmly disapproves” of Kimmel’s remarks and would “substitute the program with alternative content in its ABC-affiliated markets.”
Public Reaction and Debate
The suspension sparked heated discussions. Progressive celebrities defended Kimmel, labeling the move a threat to free expression, while conservative voices celebrated it as a long-overdue reckoning.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr also commented, informing podcaster Benny Johnson that he was contemplating a formal inquiry into Kimmel and ABC. Later, on Fox News, Carr told Sean Hannity that Kimmel was “facing the repercussions” of his statements.
Reports indicate Kimmel was “furious” after being pulled mere hours before Wednesday’s planned taping, where he intended to address the uproar.
Danica Patrick Fuels the Fire
For Patrick, the suspension represented more than a media controversy—it marked a cultural triumph. By reposting Kirk’s biting 2017 tweet, she aligned with supporters who see the event as poetic justice.
The shared post has gained significant traction, with many online describing it as a “full circle moment” between Kimmel and the activist he previously clashed with on television and social media.
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 critics like Danica Patrick and even Kirk’s past words adding fuel, this suspension has emerged as one of the year’s most gripping media controversies.
