In a dramatic development, ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will return to television on Tuesday after a brief suspension triggered by host Jimmy Kimmel’s polarizing comments about the alleged assassin of conservative figure Charlie Kirk, Fox News reported.
The situation unfolded with Kimmel’s remarks last Monday, sparking outrage, a Disney-imposed suspension, widespread protests, and a national free speech debate before the decision to reinstate the show.
The events began on September 10, when Charlie Kirk, a well-known conservative commentator, was fatally shot during a college event at Utah Valley University. Kirk was discussing transgender mass shooters when 22-year-old Tyler Robinson allegedly committed the act. FBI-released text messages reportedly show Robinson confessing, and he was linked romantically to a transgender partner.
On Monday, Jimmy Kimmel, a prominent late-night critic of the Trump administration, addressed the assassination on his show. He suggested conservatives were deflecting blame regarding Robinson’s motives.
Kimmel remarked, “We hit some new lows over the weekend with 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.” This statement provoked immediate and intense reactions.
Public response split sharply, with some liberals frustrated by the criticism of Kimmel, while certain conservatives deemed his words deeply offensive. The divide fueled a growing storm of controversy nationwide.
On Wednesday, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr condemned Kimmel’s comments as “some of the sickest conduct” and hinted at possible regulatory measures. This subtle warning intensified the already charged atmosphere.
Kimmel had intended to tackle the issue in his Wednesday monologue without apologizing, but Disney executives intervened. Disney Entertainment co-Chair Dana Walden and CEO Bob Iger decided his planned remarks risked escalating tensions further.
Consequently, Disney announced the suspension of the show last Wednesday to prevent additional conflict during a sensitive period. A spokesperson explained their reasoning to Fox News Digital, highlighting the need for caution.
The spokesperson stated, “Last Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country. It is a decision we made because we felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive.”
They added, “We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday.” This followed significant external pressure. Two major ABC affiliate owners had already stopped airing the program due to the backlash.
Last week, hundreds protested outside Disney’s Burbank, California, headquarters, demanding the show’s reinstatement. On Thursday, more demonstrations occurred outside Kimmel’s Hollywood Boulevard studio with chants like “ABC bent the knee! No to the FCC!”
The protests underscored a larger dialogue about free speech and the limits of public commentary on tragic events. Many wondered if Kimmel would be permitted to return, given the intense opposition.
Despite the uproar, Kimmel reportedly stood firm, telling Disney executives he would not apologize for his stance. This position complicated Disney’s deliberations as they weighed public opinion and internal strategy.
The return of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Tuesday closes a contentious chapter, though the broader discussion on media boundaries and expression in a divided society persists. As the show resumes, attention will focus on Kimmel’s approach to the lingering fallout.
