Disney Confirms Jimmy Kimmel’s Return After Suspension
Taken Off Air After Controversial Remarks
Jimmy Kimmel will return to television after being pulled off air for remarks he made about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death, Disney announced.
The 57-year-old host addressed Kirk’s assassination during the September 15 opening monologue of Jimmy Kimmel Live! He accused the “MAGA gang” of trying to reframe the suspect’s motives and criticized Donald Trump for focusing on a new $200 million White House ballroom.
Backlash and Suspension
Kimmel’s pointed comments triggered strong reactions. ABC, owned by Disney, suspended the show indefinitely, calling the remarks “ill-timed and insensitive.” The move sparked uproar online and fueled protests demanding Kimmel’s reinstatement.
Disney’s Statement
On Wednesday, Disney explained the decision:
“We suspended production to avoid further inflaming a tense situation. After thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, we decided to bring the show back on Tuesday.”
Celebrity Support
Hollywood and Broadway stars rallied behind Kimmel. Robert De Niro, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Selena Gomez, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Tom Hanks, and Meryl Streep signed a letter urging Americans to defend free speech.
“Regardless of politics, we all love our country,” the letter read. “Our voices must never be silenced—because if it happens to one of us, it happens to all of us.”
