America is facing a moment of political turmoil after the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk in Utah last week. The shocking event has sparked public debate, with tributes on one side and insensitivity from opponents on the other, fueling collective outrage.
Recently, ABC pulled Jimmy Kimmel’s show off the air following comments he made about the incident during one of his programs. An analyst even suggested a theory that Stephen A. Smith could be maneuvering behind the scenes, driven by interest in taking over Kimmel’s role as host.
What Is the Theory Behind Jimmy Kimmel’s Show Being Taken Off the Air?
The U.S. political landscape has been turned upside down since the attack that took Kirk’s life in Utah. His death sparked widespread mourning, but the issue spread into different areas, and the way some celebrities reacted has led to serious consequences, as Kimmel experienced.
On his show, Kimmel made controversial comments about the incident. The remarks did not sit well in the media, coming across as insensitive and disrespectful to Kirk’s legacy. On the matter, Smith took a stance against the host.
“The only thing that I would say as it pertains to Jimmy Kimmel is, where was the joke?” Smith said. “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,” Smith said on his SiriusXM radio show.
NEW: Stephen A. Smith on his fellow Disney host Jimmy Kimmel getting yanked off air after Charlie Kirk monologue:
“Where was the joke? 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… pic.twitter.com/tpRtiqwXwx
— Jason Cohen (@JasonJournoDC) September 18, 2025
Robert Littal’s theory is that Smith’s criticism was calculated and that he may have worked behind the scenes to get Kimmel’s show suspended, motivated by his own desire to land a late-night hosting job, even naming Kimmel in the process.
“Stephen A. has wanted Kimmel’s job for years. He’s making moves behind the scenes,” Littal wrote.
Stephen A. has wanted Kimmel’s job for years. He’s making moves behind the scenes https://t.co/QP3uBCLGB4
— Robert Littal BSO (@BSO) September 18, 2025
In a segment from an interview regarding his memoir “Straight Shooter” in 2023, Smith openly expressed his interest in hosting such a program, explaining that his political stance would be more neutral and focused on dialogue.
“I am interested in doing late night,” Smith said. “I would love to be the heir apparent to Jimmy Kimmel. I believe I can do it. I would throw everybody for a loop because my politics would throw people off because I’d be fair to everybody, and I’d listen to everybody.”
“It wouldn’t be one-sided, I’m not a one-sided kind of guy. I’m one-sided on issues, I’m not one-sided on ideology,” Smith explained.
Of course, Littal’s claim remains only a theory. It surfaces at a time when Kimmel has become the target of criticism, with Smith’s comments fueling speculation but offering no evidence that he actually acted behind the scenes to remove Kimmel’s show.
The only certain point is Smith’s desire to host a similar program. Beyond that, it is difficult territory to navigate, and it will remain part of a delicate moment in the country, marked by political instability, speculation, and uncertainty.
Smith has become one of the most influential television personalities in the United States in recent years. His presence has always been marked by strong opinions and firm stances on sports, which also extend to his views on broader issues.
