Disney announced that “Jimmy Kimmel Live” will return to its ABC network lineup on Tuesday, six days after suspending the talk-show host following threats by the Federal Communications Commission chairman over comments the host made about the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
In announcing the decision to bring Kimmel back, ABC’s parent company stated it had suspended the show’s production “to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country.”
The Disney statement further mentioned that some of Kimmel’s comments were “ill-timed and thus insensitive.” However, after further discussions with the ABC late-night host, “we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday,” Disney said.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
ABC suspended Kimmel’s late-night talk show on Wednesday after Carr threatened investigations and regulatory action against licensed broadcasters airing Kimmel. The owners of numerous local TV stations affiliated with ABC announced they would no longer carry the show, including Nexstar, which requires FCC approval for a $6.2 billion merger with Tegna.
On Friday, Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz, a Republican, stated that Carr’s threat was dangerous.
US President Donald Trump previously celebrated the suspension of Kimmel’s show and claimed TV broadcasters should lose their licenses over negative coverage of his administration, fueling a national debate on free speech.
