The Walt Disney Company announced Monday that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will return to air on Tuesday following a weeklong suspension over his monologue about Charlie Kirk’s murder.
In a statement, Disney said it halted production last Wednesday “to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country.” The company added that “some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive.”
Executives said they spent several days in discussions with Kimmel before concluding the late-night program could resume.
The suspension from ABC followed remarks by Kimmel in which he claimed MAGA activist Kirk was killed by other supporters of President Trump — despite authorities saying the alleged killer how a leftist social media history.
Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner blasted the decision, accusing the company of yielding to “out-of-control intimidation” from federal regulators.
ABC affiliates including Nexstar and Sinclair had threatened to preempt the show unless action was taken, and FCC Chair Brendan Carr publicly warned the company could face additional scrutiny if it did not intervene.
Disney’s move temporarily replaced “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” with reruns and specials. The company has not disclosed whether the show’s format or content guidelines will change when it returns.
Here’s the latest on Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension after Charlie Kirk comments
Kimmel has not commented publicly beyond brief social media posts.
It is unclear whether Kimmel has agreed to apologize for his comments tying Kirk’s alleged shooter to President Trump’s MAGA movement.
Sinclair, the media company that owns dozens of ABC affiliates nationwide, had publicly demanded that Kimmel issue an apology to Kirk’s family as well as offer a donation to Kirk’s conservative activist group Turning Point USA.
In the days since Wednesday’s suspension, Disney and Kimmel were reportedly in active talks about his return.Negotiations were said to have hinged on whether Kimmel will issue an apology — something he has so far resisted — or merely a clarification on his remarks.
Insiders previously reported Kimmel felt he had nothing to apologize for.
The Kimmel detente comes as Disney is balancing staff concerns about safety, advertiser pressure and affiliate threats with its broader business interests, including ongoing sports and media deals.
The media and entertainment giant is seeking regulatory approval for a deal with the NFL valued at between $2 and $3 billion.
Trade reports note executives want to avoid inflaming political tensions further while still bringing Kimmel back to protect ABC’s late-night lineup.
This is a breaking story. Please check back for updates.
