Stephen A. Smith isn’t holding back when it comes to the late-night shakeup surrounding fellow Disney host Jimmy Kimmel’s sudden suspension. On his SiriusXM show Straight Shooter with Stephen A., the outspoken commentator reacted to Kimmel being pulled off the air after his controversial monologue about conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and Smith’s blunt response quickly lit up social media.
In a video circulating on X, Smith zeroed in on what he sees as the core issue. “Where was the joke?” he asked. “Because you’re a late-night host, and obviously that has a comedic attachment to it. Where was the joke? Obviously, it wasn’t anything funny about that.”
Nexstar Yanks Jimmy Kimmel Live! After Explosive Charlie Kirk Monologue
The backlash all started earlier this week when Nexstar Media Group, which owns hundreds of television stations across the country, announced it would be pulling Jimmy Kimmel Live! from its ABC affiliates “for the foreseeable future.” The company revealed it would replace the late-night program with alternative programming following Kimmel’s controversial comments about alleged Charlie Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson.
“Mr. Kimmel’s comments about the death of Mr. Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse,” Nexstar’s broadcasting chief, Andrew Alford, said in a press release. “And we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views or values of the local communities in which we are located.”
“Continuing to give Mr. Kimmel a broadcast platform in the communities we serve is simply not in the public interest at the current time,” he added. “And we have made the difficult decision to preempt his show in an effort to let cooler heads prevail as we move toward the resumption of respectful, constructive dialogue.”
Kimmel Suspension Sparks Hollywood And D.C. Firestorm
Kimmel’s abrupt removal has fueled a whirlwind of speculation in Hollywood and Washington, with critics and supporters alike questioning whether Disney’s decision was rooted in corporate pressure, political backlash, or a breach of broadcast standards.
While many late-night hosts are no strangers to controversy, Smith emphasized that Kimmel’s role carries expectations of humor and satire, not outright provocation. His comments echo the sentiments of several media analysts who have pointed out that the line between political commentary and comedic critique is blurring more than ever in today’s media landscape.
