Disney has confirmed that Jimmy Kimmel Live will return to ABC on September 23, six days after the late-night host was suspended for remarks about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
ABC’s parent company said the show’s production was initially halted “to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country”.
In its statement, Disney acknowledged that some of Kimmel’s remarks “were ill-timed and thus insensitive.” But following discussions with the 57-year-old host, the company said, “we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday.”
The suspension has taken a heavy toll on Disney, with losses estimated at more than $6 billion as shares slid during boycotts and protests organised by Kimmel’s supporters.
More than 400 celebrities have signed a letter backing the comedian.
Kimmel’s suspension came after comments he made last week, saying, “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”
Kirk, 30, was shot and killed on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. Police confirmed he died instantly from a single gunshot wound to the neck.
His death has deepened America’s political divide, reignited debates on gun violence and free speech, and brought renewed scrutiny to the role of media, security, and public discourse.
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