Disney Reinstates Jimmy Kimmel on ABC After Brief Suspension Over Controversial Comments
Disney has confirmed that Jimmy Kimmel will return to Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday, just one week after his suspension. The decision follows controversy sparked by comments he made regarding the assassin of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, as well as pressure from the Federal Communications Commission.
Disney brings back Jimmy Kimmel to ABC after a one-week suspension following remarks on Charlie Kirk’s assassin and FCC pressure.
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The Walt Disney Company released a statement addressing the suspension. “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,” the company explained. “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.”
Kimmel’s suspension stemmed from remarks questioning the political affiliation of Kirk’s killer. On his show, Kimmel said, “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.” Evidence later emerged that the killer viewed Kirk as a fascist and accused him of spreading hate.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr strongly criticized the remarks, calling them “some of the sickest conduct possible.” Carr warned ABC and Disney that the FCC could take further action if the show continued without consequences. “Companies can find ways to change conduct and take action, frankly, on Kimmel, or there’s going to be additional work for the FCC ahead,” Carr stated.
The suspension drew immediate responses from both sides of the political aisle. Senator Ted Cruz compared Carr’s comments to mafia-style intimidation, warning of long-term consequences for free expression. Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner also expressed concern over the situation, questioning corporate leadership and emphasizing the importance of constitutional protections for free speech.
Public figures across the entertainment industry also weighed in. Howard Stern condemned Disney’s decision on his SiriusXM show and canceled his Disney+ subscription in protest. Stern argued that the suspension represented government interference in entertainment and raised concerns about democracy and free speech.
The American Civil Liberties Union joined the debate, issuing an open letter signed by more than 400 celebrities. Notable figures including Jennifer Aniston, Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, Selena Gomez, Natalie Portman, and Lin-Manuel Miranda supported the call for Kimmel’s reinstatement.
