The return of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ to the airwaves is confirmed after a temporary suspension stemming from host Jimmy Kimmel’s remarks concerning the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. This information was officially provided by a representative from The Walt Disney Company, which controls ABC. The suspension followed concerns expressed by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr and several affiliate networks regarding Kimmel’s statements about the MAGA movement’s response to the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
A Disney spokesperson explained, “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.”
“This decision was made because we considered some of the comments ill-timed and insensitive,” the spokesperson continued. “Following reflective discussions with Jimmy over the past few days, we determined to resume the show on Tuesday.”
The show’s suspension prompted a discussion about freedom of speech within the U.S. and governmental influence on the media. Over 400 artists, including Meryl Streep, Jennifer Aniston, and Tom Hanks, signed an open letter in support of Kimmel. The letter, organized by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), advocated for the protection of artistic expression in media.
Additionally, protests were organized near Disney offices in New York and Burbank, California, as well as close to the Hollywood studio where “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is produced.