US comedian Jimmy Kimmel will return to his late-night talk show on Tuesday after he was suspended for making jokes relating to the death of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. Disney, which owns the US broadcast network that airs Jimmy Kimmel Live, said on Monday that it suspended the show because it felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive. We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday, Disney said.
The comic's abrupt suspension came after threats by the federal tv regulator to revoke ABC's broadcast licence, sparking nationwide debates over free speech. US President Donald Trump had welcomed Kimmel's suspension and suggested that some TV networks should have their licences taken away for negative coverage of the president. Trump did not address Kimmel's reinstatement when a reporter asked about it during a White House event on Monday.
Sinclair, the largest ABC affiliate group in the US, announced it would replace Jimmy Kimmel Live! with news programming across its ABC affiliate stations from Tuesday. Discussions with ABC are ongoing as Sinclair evaluates the show's potential return.
Critics have called Kimmel's comments insensitive, while advocates for free speech rallied against ABC's decision, labeling it censorship and a violation of rights. Kimmel's colleagues and many Hollywood stars have expressed their support, deeming the situation a significant moment for free expression. The uproar was triggered by Kimmel's remarks in a monologue where he criticized responses to Kirk's death and Trump's handling of the situation. The controversy has escalated, leading to widespread discussions on media freedom and censorship.
The comic's abrupt suspension came after threats by the federal tv regulator to revoke ABC's broadcast licence, sparking nationwide debates over free speech. US President Donald Trump had welcomed Kimmel's suspension and suggested that some TV networks should have their licences taken away for negative coverage of the president. Trump did not address Kimmel's reinstatement when a reporter asked about it during a White House event on Monday.
Sinclair, the largest ABC affiliate group in the US, announced it would replace Jimmy Kimmel Live! with news programming across its ABC affiliate stations from Tuesday. Discussions with ABC are ongoing as Sinclair evaluates the show's potential return.
Critics have called Kimmel's comments insensitive, while advocates for free speech rallied against ABC's decision, labeling it censorship and a violation of rights. Kimmel's colleagues and many Hollywood stars have expressed their support, deeming the situation a significant moment for free expression. The uproar was triggered by Kimmel's remarks in a monologue where he criticized responses to Kirk's death and Trump's handling of the situation. The controversy has escalated, leading to widespread discussions on media freedom and censorship.
