On Tuesday, comedian and TV host Jimmy Kimmel made his return to air, addressing his suspension from ABC following comments he made about the shooting of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel stated that he was suspended by the network due to pressure from the Trump administration, which largely backfired by driving public attention to his show. His return sparked a national debate on free speech, particularly after Disney faced significant backlash from Hollywood stars, unions, and even some segments of the Republican Party over the suspension.
Kimmel’s commentary during his first monologue since the suspension echoed how Suspension has rather ignited public support for the show, attracting global attention. During the broadcast, Kimmel thanked his colleagues and audience for their support, acknowledged the ongoing debate it has sparked, and asserted that while his show is not essential, the right to have such a platform is critical in a democratic society.
He also made it clear that he had never intended to make light of the murder of Charlie Kirk or to assign blame to any specific group, affirming his stance against bullying tactics. The National discussion now touches upon the limits of free speech, the role of corporate and political entities in dictating media content, and the%Bardens of social media in amplifying tensions.
Crucially, the suspension decision by Disney, which owns ABC, came after criticisms by the Trump administration. Following right-wing protests over Kimmel’s remarks, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair Brendan Carr suggested consequences for ABC’s license if no action was taken against Kimmel. Several ABC affiliate groups then pulled the program from their networks, pressuring Disney to act.
Disney later stated the preemption was to avoid inflaming an already tense national climate. Following discussions with Kimmel, they decided to allow his show to resume on Tuesday. Nonetheless, Sinclair and Nexstar, which own the majority of ABC affiliates, have not reinstated the show without conditions. They demand an apology to Kirk’s family and a donation to a conservative activist group as a prerequisite for return, marking a significant point of contention in preserving the show’s widespread availability. Despite the dispute with some affiliates, the show remains available online and through streaming services Hulu and Disney+, ensuring it reaches a broad audience.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/sep/24/jimmy-kimmel-says-trump-tried-his-best-to-cancel-him-as-his-show-returns-to-air-after-suspension
