Jimmy Kimmel back on ABC after brief suspension over Charlie Kirk remarks, says Disney
By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – ABC Network on Tuesday announced the return of Jimmy Kimmel Live! after a brief suspension over controversial comments about Trump aide Charlie Kirk who was murdered in Utah, media reported.
ABC has announced that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will return to air on Tuesday, following a brief suspension last week over controversial comments made by the host on US President Donald Trump’s close aide, Charlie Kirk’s, assassination at the University of Utah.
Spokesperson for the Walt Disney Company, which owns ABC, told media “Last Wednesday, we decided to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country,” a
“It is a decision we made because we felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive. We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we decided to return to the show on Tuesday.”
The programme was abruptly pulled off-air last week after Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr and several affiliate networks raised concerns over remarks Kimmel made during a monologue referencing the MAGA movement’s reaction to the assassination of conservative commentator Kirk, as stated by media reports.
The suspension sparked a national conversation on freedom of speech and government involvement in media, with sharp divides between supporters of Trump’s administration and the long-time TV host, who have had repeated public clashes over the years.
The protests were erupted outside Disney offices in New York and Burbank, California, as well as near the Hollywood studio where “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is filmed. Demonstrators raised concerns over censorship and creative expression, media reported.
Over 400 artists, including Jennifer Aniston, Meryl Streep, and Tom Hanks, signed an open letter in support of Kimmel. The letter was organised by the American Civil Liberties Union and called for the protection of artistic voices in the media.
Disney CEO Bob Iger and Co-chairman Dana Walden have managed conflicting demands, media commentators have observed.
Disney, like many of its station partners, needs government permission for pending accords, such as ESPN’s agreement with the NFL.
The late-night television as a genre has faced declining viewership and revenue. Kimmel’s contract with ABC is set to expire in May, adding further complexity to the situation.
Despite controversies, Kimmel remains a respected figure in the entertainment industry. His sudden suspension came as a shock to many within and outside ABC.
Some 200 to 250 people are employed on the production of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”.
When the show was halted during the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike, Kimmel personally supported his team financially.
Media reported that when wildfires in Los Angeles caused production to halt earlier this year, the show’s back lot served as a relief centre, distributing essential supplies to affected communities, media highlighted.
