Disney Announces Return of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’, Created Flashpoint in America’s Political and Cultural Battle

drew criticism for remarks saying suspect in Charlie Kirk’s assassination was aligned with MAGA

LOS ANGELES — ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! is set to return Tuesday after a week-long suspension that followed backlash over the late-night host’s comments on the assassination of Charlie Kirk, The Walt Disney Company confirmed.

The show was abruptly pulled from ABC’s lineup last Wednesday after Kimmel drew criticism for remarks suggesting that the suspect in Kirk’s death was aligned with the MAGA movement.

His comments triggered public outrage, drew scrutiny from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and prompted two major affiliates to pull the program from their schedules.

“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,” a Disney spokesperson said. “We have since had thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and we’ve decided to bring the show back on Tuesday.”

Kirk, 31, was fatally shot Sept. 10 during a college event in Utah. Authorities have charged 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who allegedly confessed to the attack in text messages cited by the FBI.

The fallout from Kimmel’s remarks quickly became a flashpoint in the country’s political and cultural battles.

Protesters gathered outside Disney’s Burbank headquarters and at Kimmel’s Hollywood studio, accusing the network of bowing to political pressure. Some chanted slogans rejecting the FCC’s involvement, while others demanded the late-night show be reinstated.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr denounced Kimmel’s on-air comments as “some of the sickest conduct.”

Kimmel, a frequent critic of MAGA, declined to apologize, and his suspension sparked a heated debate over free speech, the role of late-night television in political discourse, and whether network executives overstepped in silencing a prominent voice.

Similar Stories