Jimmy Kimmel is set to return to late-night television, nearly a week after Disney-owned ABC took his show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” off the air due to pressure from conservative critics and the Trump administration over comments he made about right-wing activist Charlie Kirk’s killer. The killing of Kirk, who had a “leftist ideology,” was not directly targeted by Kimmel, but rather Republicans like Trump’s son Eric and Vice President JD Vance.
The controversy started when Trump’s FCC chairman Brendan Carr linked Kimmel to an “easy way” to lie about the politics of Kirk’s killer. This led to ABC and stations owned by Nexstar and Sinclair stopping airtime for Kimmel’s show. However, in a surprise move, Disney has reinstated Kimmel’s show.
Celebrity reactions have been mixed, with some defending Kimmel’s right to free speech, while others criticized the Trump administration’s actions. Dem politicians like former President Barack Obama and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer praised the decision, saying it was an attempt to silence free speech.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Hollywood’s elite, particularly left-leaning comedians who frequently make fun of Trump. The fate of Kimmel’s show remains uncertain, with some stations potentially boycotting his program upon its return.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/09/22/kimmel-kirk-abc-disney