URGENT UPDATE: Jimmy Kimmel is back on ABC, making his highly anticipated return to “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” just hours ago, following a suspension over controversial remarks regarding Charlie Kirk. This marks Kimmel’s first public appearance since his show was pulled from the air last week, igniting widespread debate over free speech and media responsibility.
At approximately 11:35 PM EDT on October 24, 2023, Kimmel resumed filming, but the environment surrounding his return is anything but calm. Former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social just an hour before the broadcast, criticizing ABC for reinstating Kimmel. Trump claimed, “I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back,” asserting that the network had previously informed the White House of Kimmel’s cancellation.
Kimmel’s suspension stemmed from his comments about Charlie Kirk’s death, which drew backlash from Brendan Carr, the chair of the Federal Communications Commission. Trump’s remarks further intensified the situation, as he labeled Kimmel’s show a “major Illegal Campaign Contribution,” referencing a past lawsuit against ABC.
Support for Kimmel has surged, with fans gathering outside the show’s filming location on Hollywood Boulevard to celebrate his return. Many Hollywood figures, fellow late-night hosts, and politicians have rallied behind him, viewing the suspension as a troubling sign for free speech. Protesters even gathered outside Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, and at ABC’s offices in New York.
Despite Kimmel’s return, the situation remains precarious. ABC’s affiliates, Nexstar and Sinclair, have announced they will not air Kimmel’s show, opting instead for news programming. Sinclair stated they are still negotiating with ABC regarding the show’s future. Carr has expressed support for Sinclair’s decision, emphasizing the need for accountability.
Last week, Sinclair demanded an apology to Kirk’s family before lifting the suspension on Kimmel’s show. As of now, both Nexstar and Sinclair continue to air alternative programming in place of Kimmel’s late-night segment.
As Kimmel steps back into the spotlight, the ramifications of this controversy are far-reaching, with potential impacts on viewership and sponsorships looming large. Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds.
