Disney Reinstates Jimmy Kimmel Live After Controversy on Charlie Kirk Comments
US comedian Jimmy Kimmel will return to his late-night talk show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, on Tuesday following a suspension tied to remarks he made about the death of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.
Disney, the parent company of ABC, which broadcasts the show, released a statement on Monday explaining its decision. The company said it had suspended the show because it believed some of Kimmel’s jokes were “ill-timed and thus insensitive.” Disney added that after holding “thoughtful conversations” with the comedian, the decision was made to allow the program to resume.
Fallout From Kimmel’s Remarks
Kimmel’s suspension stemmed from comments made during his September 15 monologue, in which he criticized members of the MAGA movement for attempting to shape the narrative around Kirk’s killing. He also mocked former President Donald Trump’s response to a reporter’s question about Kirk’s death, comparing Trump’s reaction to “how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish.”
These remarks prompted backlash, including threats from Brendan Carr, the Trump-appointed chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), who warned that the regulator could move to revoke ABC’s broadcast license.
Political Reactions and Network Pushback
The suspension sparked widespread debate over censorship and free speech. Trump publicly welcomed the suspension, even suggesting that some TV networks should have their licenses “taken away” for negative coverage of him. However, when asked about Kimmel’s reinstatement at a White House event, Trump declined to comment.
Meanwhile, major ABC affiliates expressed resistance to airing the show’s return. Sinclair Broadcast Group, the largest operator of ABC affiliates in the US, said it would replace Jimmy Kimmel Live! with news programming starting Tuesday. Sinclair called Kimmel’s comments “inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country” and said discussions with ABC regarding the show’s future are ongoing.
Similarly, Nexstar Media, one of the largest station owners in the country, had previously announced that it would not air the show “for the foreseeable future.” Nexstar has not yet issued a statement regarding Kimmel’s reinstatement.
Strong Criticism of Disney’s Initial Decision
The suspension was condemned by First Amendment advocates, Hollywood unions, and civil liberties groups. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), along with lawmakers and industry figures, argued that Disney’s move represented a violation of free speech and created a chilling effect in media.
Anna Gomez, the sole Democrat on the FCC, praised Disney’s decision to reinstate Kimmel, describing it as an act of “courage in the face of clear government intimidation.” Gomez also commended Americans across the political spectrum who spoke out against what she called a blatant attempt to silence dissent.
Hollywood and Public Support
Hundreds of celebrities and Hollywood figures voiced support for Kimmel. A letter signed by stars such as Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston, Meryl Streep, and Robert De Niro described his suspension as a “dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation.”
The controversy also fueled calls for boycotts of Disney+, Hulu, and other Disney-owned platforms, with critics urging consumers to hit the company financially in protest of the suspension.
Kimmel’s Silence and Upcoming Guest
Despite the uproar, Kimmel has not yet issued any public statement regarding either his suspension or his return. He has been the host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! since 2003 and has also hosted the Academy Awards four times.
According to the show’s website, actor Glen Powell, known for his roles in Twisters and Hit Man, will be Kimmel’s first guest upon his return.