ABC has reinstated late-night host Jimmy Kimmel after a brief suspension sparked significant backlash. The network announced on Monday that Kimmel’s show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, will return on Tuesday, following discussions with the comedian regarding his controversial remarks about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Kimmel faced suspension after he made comments during a recent monologue, suggesting that “many in MAGA land are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk.” This remark was made in reference to Kirk, who was killed on September 10, 2023. Kimmel further criticized what he termed “the MAGA gang,” accusing them of attempting to redefine the actions of Kirk’s killer.
The decision to bring Kimmel back came amidst a wave of criticism directed at both the host and ABC. Following his comments, two of ABC’s largest affiliate owners, Nexstar and Sinclair, announced they would be pulling “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from their broadcasts. Despite this, many fellow comedians and notable figures rallied in defense of Kimmel.
In a social media post, former President Donald Trump, a frequent target of Kimmel’s humor, expressed approval of the suspension, calling it “great news for America” and suggesting that other late-night hosts should also face dismissal. Kimmel had previously expressed concerns in an interview with Variety about possible repercussions for comedians under the current administration, stating, “you’d have to be naive not to worry a little bit.”
The suspension occurred against a backdrop of increasing tensions between the media and political figures. Trump has made attempts to exert control over media narratives, having reached settlements with various networks over their coverage. Additionally, the head of the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr, issued a warning regarding Kimmel’s comments, indicating that the network could face consequences if they did not take action.
As the late-night landscape undergoes changes, with CBS recently announcing the cancellation of Stephen Colbert‘s show, Kimmel’s contract with the Walt Disney Company is set to expire in May 2026.
The announcement of Kimmel’s reinstatement coincided with a significant statement from over 430 Hollywood and Broadway stars, including Robert De Niro and Meryl Streep. They signed an open letter from the American Civil Liberties Union, urging Americans to “fight to defend and preserve our constitutionally protected rights” in light of Kimmel’s suspension, labeling it “a dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation.”
The controversy surrounding Kimmel’s suspension continued to resonate, with discussions on ABC’s “The View.” Co-host Whoopi Goldberg opened the show by asserting, “No one silences us,” emphasizing the importance of free expression.
As Kimmel prepares to return to the airwaves, the incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions between entertainment, politics, and free speech, highlighting the challenges faced by public figures in navigating these complex dynamics.
