Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel resumed his show on Tuesday, addressing the controversy surrounding his recent suspension over remarks about the tragic death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Kimmel, appearing emotional and with a strained voice, used his opening monologue to clarify his intentions and criticize what he described as threats to free speech in America.
Kimmel’s suspension stemmed from comments made during his September 15 episode, where he suggested that some political figures were attempting to politicize Kirk’s murder and misrepresent the alleged shooter’s affiliations.
The backlash was swift, with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr, a appointee of President Donald Trump, publicly calling for action against Kimmel’s network, ABC, which is owned by Disney. Carr’s statements, including a podcast appearance where he urged ABC to handle the matter “the easy way or the hard way,” preceded Disney’s decision to temporarily halt the show.
During his return episode, Kimmel emphasized that he never meant to downplay the seriousness of Kirk’s murder.
“It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man,” he said, praising Kirk’s widow, Erika, for her forgiveness toward the alleged perpetrator at a memorial service. He described her actions as a “selfless act of grace” that deeply moved him.
Kimmel didn’t hold back in targeting his critics. He likened FCC Chairman Carr to a mob boss, accusing him of shifting from a free speech advocate to someone exerting pressure on broadcasters.
The host also took aim at President Trump, who had celebrated calls for Kimmel’s removal and threatened further scrutiny of ABC. Kimmel called such behavior “un-American” and “dangerous,” arguing that government threats to silence comedians who criticize the president undermine core democratic values.
“This show is not important,” Kimmel added. “What’s important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this.”
The episode featured guests including actor Glen Powell, musician Sarah McLachlan, and Hollywood icon Robert De Niro, who joined in a skit parodying Carr. Despite the star power, the broadcast faced hurdles: several local ABC affiliates, owned by companies like Nexstar and Sinclair, opted not to air it, citing a need for “respectful, constructive dialogue.”
These groups control over 20% of ABC’s stations and are navigating business deals that require FCC approval, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.
Disney announced Kimmel’s return on Monday, stating that after “thoughtful conversations” with the host, they decided to resume production. The company had initially suspended the show to avoid escalating tensions during a sensitive time. While the episode was available on streaming platforms like Hulu + Live TV, the partial blackout by local stations highlighted ongoing divisions.
Supporters rallied outside the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, where the show is filmed, holding signs welcoming Kimmel back and championing free speech.
Fans like actor Jessica Brown and tour guide Gregg Donovan expressed relief at his return, while audience members such as Jason Amirhadji and Alexander Herrera viewed the suspension as part of a broader assault on expression.
Writer Naina Grewal noted the power dynamics at play, suggesting public outcry forced conglomerates to act.
Not all reactions were positive. President Trump posted on social media shortly before airtime, expressing disbelief at Kimmel’s reinstatement and claiming the show had been canceled. Critics like California resident Jane Walden accused ABC and Disney of caving to pressure amid falling stock prices, labeling Kimmel’s content as biased against Trump.
The incident has sparked wider discussions on media freedom, with backing for Kimmel coming from fellow late-night hosts like Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, and Seth Meyers, as well as celebrities including Ben Stiller.
Labor unions, lawmakers, and free speech advocates decried the suspension, leading to boycott calls against Disney. As the dust settles, Kimmel’s return underscores the tense intersection of comedy, politics, and regulation in today’s media landscape.
