News Summary
Disney has announced the return of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ following a brief suspension due to comments made by its host, Jimmy Kimmel, regarding the assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. The decision came after discussions between Kimmel and ABC, amidst pressures from politicians and network owners. The controversy surrounding Kimmel’s remarks had incited backlash from conservative groups and led to concerns from the FCC about media responsibility. Supporters of Kimmel staged protests, highlighting ongoing tensions between Disney and its critics.
Los Angeles – Disney has decided to restart production of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” after a brief suspension that followed controversial remarks made by host Jimmy Kimmel about the assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. ABC formally announced on Monday that the show will be back on air starting Tuesday, following what the company called “thoughtful conversations” with Kimmel regarding the situation.
The decision to suspend the show was originally made by Disney amid rising tensions across the country, which the company believed could be exacerbated by Kimmel’s comments. The suspension came under increasing pressure from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr and prominent station owners such as Nexstar and Sinclair, who expressed their concerns about Kimmel’s statements.
Kimmel faced backlash from conservative groups after he alleged that MAGA supporters were trying to take political advantage of Kirk’s tragic death. This comment drew significant criticism and was interpreted by many as insinuating that the suspect in the shooting was associated with Trump supporters, leading to an outpouring of right-wing outrage.
In response to Kimmel’s remarks, Chairman Carr issued a warning that the FCC would take further steps if Disney and its affiliates did not take action to address the controversy. He hinted that the broadcasting licenses of Disney could be in jeopardy if they did not manage the fallout effectively. Shortly after, Nexstar announced it would be pulling “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” indefinitely from its programming, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Sinclair Broadcasting took an even more aggressive approach by demanding that Kimmel donate to both Kirk’s family and the conservative advocacy group Turning Point USA. The company also stated it would replace Kimmel’s show with news programming during the same time slot. This bold stance underscored the mounting challenges facing Disney and Kimmel amidst the growing political pressures.
The controversy also sparked a diverse range of public reactions, with supporters staging protests in cities including New York and Los Angeles in defense of Kimmel. In an unforeseen twist, there were reported drops in Disney+ subscriptions as a form of protest against the company’s decision to suspend Kimmel’s show.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Disney, its political adversaries, and governmental oversight regarding free speech and media responsibility. The FCC had previously begun probing Disney’s policies surrounding diversity and inclusion, which adds a layer of scrutiny to the company’s dealings with the government.
CEO Bob Iger’s leadership is now under examination as he is nearing retirement, with calls from various stakeholders for the company to take stronger stands against outside political pressures. Kimmel’s role at Disney is significant, as he has hosted major awards shows and remains a key figure in ABC’s programming lineup.
As the show gets ready to return, questions remain about whether Kimmel will directly address the suspension or the criticisms he faced. Furthermore, there is uncertainty regarding how the controversy will influence viewer engagement with the program moving forward.
The reinstatement of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is viewed as a critical response to attempts made by Trump’s administration to limit perceived media critique, portrayed by some as an infringement on free speech. This situation mirrors previous controversies that Disney has faced, including backlash over its response to Florida’s legislation perceived as anti-LGBTQ+ and its inclusion of queer-friendly elements within its programming, which have drawn criticism from cultural conservatives.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Ryan Faughnder Leaves Los Angeles Times for New Opportunity
Jimmy Kimmel Live! Returns After Suspension by Disney
Jimmy Kimmel Live! Indefinitely Suspended Amid Controversy
Additional Resources
- The Week: ABC Reinstates Kimmel Amid Disney Backlash
- MarketWatch: Kimmel’s First Show Back
- Bloomberg: Disney Says Kimmel Live to Return
- New York Times: Kimmel, Disney, and ABC
- Los Angeles Times: Disney and Political Culture Wars
- Wikipedia: Jimmy Kimmel
- Google Search: Disney Politics
- Google Scholar: Jimmy Kimmel Backlash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Disney Company
- Google News: Jimmy Kimmel Disney
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
