Controversial sports icon’s take on Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension: ‘Thank God’

While a slew of celebrities have come to the defense of late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, at least one athlete is pleased that Kimmel’s show has been suspended over comments he made about slain political activist Charlie Kirk.

Former race-car driver Danica Patrick has helped shatter gender barriers in the male-dominated world of professional motorsports, but she is now becoming known for her political views, too. They continued recently when she commented on the indefinite suspension of Kimmel’s show on ABC.

“Human decency is coming back, thank God,” she wrote via her Instagram Story, alongside a Newsmax story about ABC suspending the late-night show.

Patrick’s high-profile presence in the IndyCar Series (first woman to win a race) and NASCAR Cup Series (first woman to win a pole position) inspired a new generation of female athletes and fundamentally altered the public perception of women in racing.

However, Patrick’s public perception has been altered by insensitive remarks, unfavorable commentary on women in racing, and contentious moments with other sports figures.

Meanwhile, the decision to suspend Kimmel’s show came after pressure from the FCC and ABC affiliates, and has sparked a larger debate about free speech and political coercion.

Kimmel made several remarks on his show Monday and Tuesday about the reaction to Kirk’s killing last week, suggesting many Trump supporters are trying to capitalize on Kirk’s death. “The MAGA gang (is) desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it,” Kimmel said.

The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr, said Kimmel appeared to be making an intentional effort to mislead the public that the man accused in the fatal shooting was a right-wing Trump supporter. Authorities say 22-year-old Tyler Robinson grew up in a conservative household in southern Utah but was enmeshed in “leftist ideology.”

Kimmel has not commented on his suspension, and he’s reportedly refused to apologize for his comments.

Meanwhile, Disney stock has taken a hit, and major stars have joined the call for a boycott.

The Associated press contributed to this report