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Tuesday, Sep 23, 2025
Outside the box.
Disney Reinstates ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ after Six-Day Suspension over Charlie Kirk Comments
Show returns to ABC following internal review; suspension triggered by regulatory threats and backlash over host’s remarks. The case has stirred serious debate about freedom of speech and political influence in U.S. media, along with growing fears that it could become manipulated and censored like the media in China, the United Kingdom, and North Korea.
Disney has announced that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will resume airing on ABC on Tuesday, nearly a week after the network suspended the show indefinitely over host Jimmy Kimmel’s remarks about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The suspension, announced on September 17, was intended to prevent further inflaming national tensions, according to Disney.
The controversy erupted when Kimmel implied in a monologue that the MAGA movement was attempting to distance itself from the shooter while exploiting the tragedy for political gain.
His comments drew sharp criticism from conservative groups, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, and ABC affiliates Nexstar and Sinclair, some of which pulled the show from their schedules.
In its statement reinstating the show, Disney said that after “thoughtful conversations” with Kimmel, it was decided that returning to the air was in the network’s best interest.
ABC clarified that the suspension was not forced by external regulatory or affiliate pressure but was an internally driven decision.
The host is expected to address the controversy on his return.
The situation has reignited debate over free speech, regulatory power, and the boundaries of political commentary in late-night television.
The episode is significant in U.S. media and politics, reflecting tensions between media outlets, political pressure, and government bodies, particularly in the Trump administration’s interactions with broadcast content.
The suspension, announced on September 17, was intended to prevent further inflaming national tensions, according to Disney.
The controversy erupted when Kimmel implied in a monologue that the MAGA movement was attempting to distance itself from the shooter while exploiting the tragedy for political gain.
His comments drew sharp criticism from conservative groups, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, and ABC affiliates Nexstar and Sinclair, some of which pulled the show from their schedules.
In its statement reinstating the show, Disney said that after “thoughtful conversations” with Kimmel, it was decided that returning to the air was in the network’s best interest.
ABC clarified that the suspension was not forced by external regulatory or affiliate pressure but was an internally driven decision.
The host is expected to address the controversy on his return.
The situation has reignited debate over free speech, regulatory power, and the boundaries of political commentary in late-night television.
The episode is significant in U.S. media and politics, reflecting tensions between media outlets, political pressure, and government bodies, particularly in the Trump administration’s interactions with broadcast content.
