Disney to bring Jimmy Kimmel back on air after brief suspension

Disney announced Monday that «Jimmy Kimmel Live» will return to ABC on Tuesday. The show faced a six-day suspension after controversy over the remarks Kimmel made about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination at Utah Valley University. During his monologue, Kimmel suggested that conservatives tried to frame Kirk’s accused killer in political terms, according to Reuters.

The decision to suspend the show sparked backlash from both political parties and consumer groups. Some Disney+ subscribers canceled their service in protest. Prominent Republicans and Democrats also criticized threats of regulatory action from Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, who had suggested ABC affiliates could face investigations or penalties over the show.

Disney said the suspension was intended to avoid inflaming tensions during a sensitive time. The company acknowledged Kimmel’s remarks were «ill-timed» but did not issue an apology. According to sources, CEO Bob Iger and Disney Entertainment Co-Chair Dana Walden consulted with Kimmel before reinstating the show.

It remains unclear whether all ABC affiliates will immediately resume airing «Jimmy Kimmel Live.» Sinclair Broadcasting is one of ABC’s largest affiliate groups. It said it will continue to preempt the show for now while holding discussions with the network. Amid these developments, Kimmel is expected to address the controversy when his program returns.