Danica Patrick offered a direct perspective on ABC’s decision to cancel Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show following his comments related to Charlie Kirk’s assassination, a development that has stirred significant responses across the political spectrum. This reaction, coming amidst renewed attention to Danica Patrick political views, reflects her continued alignment with conservative causes and her outspoken presence on social media.
ABC Cancels Kimmel After Comments Spark Backlash
ABC decided to pull Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night program after Kimmel addressed the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s high-profile death in emotionally charged terms. Kirk’s passing not only prompted widespread response but also led to a surge in student signups for Turning Point USA, the conservative youth group founded by Kirk, with 62,000 new registrations reported. Kirk’s adversaries highlighted his own controversial statements, while vocal supporters within right-wing circles criticized those who they felt were exploiting the tragedy politically.
During his broadcast, Kimmel aired his viewpoint on public reaction to Kirk’s death:
“The MAGA Gang 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. In between the finger-pointing, there was grieving.”
Jimmy Kimmel, Host, Jimmy Kimmel Live
Soon after the episode drew widespread attention, ABC cancelled the show, reportedly following pressure from newly installed leadership at the U.S. broadcast regulator, appointed by Donald Trump. Danica Patrick responded publicly to the cancellation by sharing her approval on an Instagram story, stating:
“Human decency is coming back. Thank god.”
Danica Patrick, Broadcast Commentator and Former Racing Driver
Patrick’s Political Journey Influenced by Charlie Kirk
Danica Patrick and Charlie Kirk had a longstanding connection, with Patrick appearing on The Charlie Kirk Show and Kirk guesting on Patrick’s own podcast, Pretty Intense. Publicly mourning Kirk’s death, Patrick credited him with shaping her entry into the political field. On September 11, she posted a tribute to Kirk on Instagram, writing about his significant influence over her decision to become politically active. She acknowledged that attending an American conservative event with her sister in December 2023 was a pivotal personal moment, noting intense reactions she faced for her political participation.
“I got into politics because of @charliekirk1776. It truly was my turning point. Amfest was my first political event December of 2023, with my sister. The backlash I got for attending lit a fire under my ass and I spoke the next year at the same event on top of campaigning for @realdonaldtrump. I will speak again in 2025. I am not sure what to expect, other than one thing…where Charlie left off, we will continue. With all that we have. 🙏,” she wrote.
Danica Patrick, Broadcast Commentator and Former Racing Driver
Patrick has been a consistent presence in the motorsports world, working with Sky Sports on Formula 1 coverage and returning to Fox Sports for the 2024 Indy 500 broadcast. After retiring from full-time racing in 2018, she transitioned successfully into sports media, bringing her outspoken political positions with her into the public eye.
Patrick’s Political Beliefs and Public Stance
Beyond her motorsports career, Danica Patrick has increasingly made headlines for her political perspectives and activism. She was a visible supporter of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, casting her first-ever vote last year in support of Trump. Prior to this, Patrick expressed some initial alignment with Robert F. Kennedy’s anti-vaccine positions but later shifted her endorsement firmly toward the Trump movement. Her willingness to speak openly about these topics has placed her among a group of public figures who bridge the worlds of sports, media, and conservative politics. Significant public reaction, both positive and negative, has followed her foray into advocacy and commentary, with each statement drawing attention to her personal convictions and experiences.
What’s at Stake as Debate Over Political Speech Continues
ABC’s cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel’s show has fueled broader discussion about the boundaries of political speech and the shifting landscape of television. Danica Patrick’s comments and her ongoing political involvement suggest that public figures from diverse backgrounds will continue to influence national conversations beyond their original fields, particularly as dialogues about free expression, decency, and the impact of media on public perception grow more intense. Her vocal support for figures like Charlie Kirk and Donald Trump indicates that Patrick remains a conspicuous participant in the intersection of sports, politics, and cultural debate—an intersection that may see further polarization as similar controversies arise.
