Danica Patrick criticizes Jimmy Kimmel after ABC suspended his show, sparking a highly visible clash between the outspoken former motorsports athlete and the late-night host. Patrick’s public comments, made in the aftermath of the network’s decision, highlight deepening divisions on high-profile controversies gripping the national stage.
Danica Patrick’s Bold Response to Kimmel’s Suspension
Danica Patrick has long been known for her outspoken approach, both during her successful racing tenure and as a public figure since moving away from motorsports. Her willingness to express firm opinions once again came to the fore following the controversial suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! by ABC. The suspension followed remarks Kimmel made regarding the suspect in the death of Charlie Kirk, a prominent political activist whose assassination had ignited debate across the United States.
Kimmel, famous as both a comedian and host, reacted to the situation on air, focusing on the political ramifications of Kirk’s killing. The heated national discourse was amplified by Kimmel’s commentary, which prompted an immediate response from the network and its affiliate station owners, Nexstar and Sinclair, who confirmed the indefinite suspension of his show.
Danica Patrick wasted no time voicing her perspective. Aligning herself with former President Donald Trump’s criticisms of Kimmel, Patrick weighed in on social media about the show’s suspension, sharing sentiments that resonance with a segment of the public dissatisfied with Kimmel’s recent actions. Her message—
“Human decency is coming back. Thank God.”
—provided a succinct summary of her view on the unfolding incident. — Danica Patrick
Beyond her brief post, Patrick also revisited sentiments from Charlie Kirk, posting an older criticism: “Jimmy Kimmel isn’t funny.” — Charlie Kirk
Patrick’s remarks circulated widely, especially after media outlets, including New York Post Sports, amplified her reaction and her stance on Kimmel’s ban from the Disney-owned network.
Political Motivations and Influence of Charlie Kirk
For Patrick, the story is deeply personal as well as political. Over the years, she has emerged as a public supporter of Donald Trump, actively engaging in political events and crediting her involvement to the influence of Charlie Kirk. She has openly stated,
“I got into politics because of Charlie Kirk,”
— Danica Patrick, and,
“It truly was my turning point.”
— Danica Patrick
She elaborated further, recalling her first participation at the conservative political gathering Amfest alongside her sister in December 2023. Facing criticism for her attendance, Patrick described how it motivated her activism, leading her to deliver a speech at the next Amfest and campaign for Trump.
“Amfest (conservative political event) was my first political event, in December 2023, with my sister. The backlash I received for attending lit a fire under my ass, and I spoke at the same event the next year on top of campaigning for Donald Trump.”
— Danica Patrick
Patrick’s statements demonstrate her deep connection to Kirk’s political legacy and the extent to which it has shaped her public and personal identity.
Career Transition and Outspokenness
Nearly a decade since she retired from competitive racing, Danica Patrick has been recognized for channeling her energy into new pursuits, from advocating for women’s fitness to sharing candid takes on politics and personal matters. After stepping away from the racetrack in 2018, following notable wins and high-profile finishes at events like the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500, Patrick embraced her evolving public persona. Her last racing season included participation in the “Danica Double,” which ended with crashes and average standings—a sharp contrast to previous racing highlights, such as her history-making pole position in the 2013 Daytona 500 or her strong third-place showing in the 2009 Indianapolis 500.
Today, Patrick’s transition into a career marked by outspoken commentary highlights her willingness to engage in hot-button social and political debates. This transformation, from athlete to vocal media figure, has kept her firmly in the public eye.
Addressing Past Relationships and Public Confrontations
Danica Patrick’s readiness to confront contentious topics extends beyond politics and media disputes. Earlier this year, she addressed her former relationship with NFL star Aaron Rodgers, adding her voice to a string of Rodgers’ ex-partners who spoke about their own challenges. Actress Shailene Woodley publicly discussed her mental health struggles in connection with Rodgers, stating,
“I haven’t shared much about my relationship with Aaron(Rodgers) because it always makes me cry. It was not right,”
— Shailene Woodley. Olivia Munn similarly opened up about her experience, saying she felt,
“really trapped in a tumultuous family dynamic.”
— Olivia Munn
Danica Patrick, for her part, described the breakup with Rodgers as a deeply personal upheaval.
“The breakup with Aaron(Rodgers) in 2020—because it was sudden, it felt like it was my life. When you live with somebody, it’s your whole life—your dentist appointments, your hairdo, your clothes, your mailing address, everything. Because the nature of the relationship was emotionally abusive, it wore me down to nothing.”
— Danica Patrick
She further reflected on the impact of the relationship and the lessons it brought, saying,
“Something that people could never imagine is that I would lack any confidence or belief in the simple things about who I am. Everything was torn to bits…But it gave me the greatest gift, which was myself—how much I needed to show up for myself, take care of myself.”
— Danica Patrick
These public disclosures are emblematic of Patrick’s determination to confront and process her past, using her platform to speak candidly to a broad audience that includes sports fans and the wider public.
Lingering Questions and Future Implications
The swift and intense exchange between Danica Patrick and Jimmy Kimmel following the show’s suspension underscores the polarized atmosphere of American media and politics. Patrick’s criticisms and her elevation of Charlie Kirk’s influence are likely to fuel continued debate about public discourse, celebrity activism, and the responsibilities that come with influence.
As both figures navigate the consequences of their public statements, the spotlight remains fixed on the boundaries of commentary and the repercussions for those who step into the arena of national controversy. With Patrick’s trajectory defined by her candor and Kimmel’s future with ABC uncertain, the broader implications for the role of celebrities in shaping opinion—and the potential backlash they may draw—are certain to remain part of the conversation in the coming months.
Danica Patrick celebrates Jimmy Kimmel’s Disney suspension — and wants you to know he ‘isn’t funny’ https://t.co/JuLw6FvpIg pic.twitter.com/LL0VSfCJtD
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) September 18, 2025
