Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, is set to return on Tuesday after being temporarily suspended by Disney. The suspension was initiated following Kimmel’s comments regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk, which raised concerns about appropriateness during a sensitive national moment. Disney stated that the decision to pause the show was made to prevent further escalation of a tense situation and described Kimmel’s remarks as “ill-timed and thus insensitive.”
This suspension came in the wake of a warning from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr, who suggested that broadcast stations airing Kimmel’s show could face consequences regarding their operating licenses. This led to pressure on ABC from prominent broadcasting companies, Nexstar and Sinclair, which indicated they would cease airing the show.
While Jimmy Kimmel Live! is scheduled to resume, it remains uncertain whether all ABC affiliates will broadcast it. Inquiries made to Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar for clarification have yet to yield a response. The controversy began with Kimmel’s comment during the episode that led to the show’s suspension, where he implied that certain groups were attempting to mischaracterize the individual involved in Kirk’s assassination.
The show’s suspension sparked criticism from various quarters, including Democratic lawmakers, free speech advocates, and numerous celebrities who expressed their support for Kimmel. They described the incident as a troubling moment for freedom of speech in the United States. The FCC did not immediately comment on any potential actions against Disney, ABC, or the broadcasters who might reinstate Kimmel’s show.
Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez indicated her approval of Disney’s decision to proceed despite government pressures, underscoring the importance of countering perceived censorship and control by the administration.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/782970/jimmy-kimmel-live-return-disney-charlie-kirk