Disney reverses suspension of Jimmy Kimmel after furious backlash and political fallout
Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show will return to ABC on Tuesday, Disney confirmed, ending a six-day suspension that sparked a fierce debate over censorship, politics and the limits of free speech in the United States.
Kimmel was taken off the air last week after making remarks about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The host accused right-wing commentators of trying to “score political points” from Kirk’s death, adding that the suspected killer was part of the same movement. The comments prompted outrage among conservatives, while the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair, Brendan Carr, warned broadcasters they could face consequences unless action was taken.
Disney initially suspended Kimmel, saying his comments were “ill-timed and thus insensitive”. In a statement on Monday, the company said it had engaged in “thoughtful conversations” with the comedian and concluded he would return to host his show as usual. “We reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday,” Disney said.
The suspension quickly spiralled into a national controversy. Hundreds of high-profile celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston, Meryl Streep and Robert De Niro, signed an open letter backing Kimmel and condemning his removal. Fellow late-night hosts Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, John Oliver and Jon Stewart also rallied in his defence, describing the move as capitulation to political intimidation.
The backlash wasn’t confined to Hollywood. The FCC’s role in the affair drew sharp criticism across the political spectrum. Texas Senator Ted Cruz warned that the regulator’s intervention risked creating a precedent that could one day silence conservatives themselves. He compared Carr’s threats to a line “straight out of Goodfellas” and called them “dangerous as hell”. Kentucky Senator Rand Paul added that the FCC chair had “no business” involving himself in the controversy.
Democratic FCC commissioner Anna Gomez, who was the only member of the agency to speak out against the suspension, celebrated Kimmel’s reinstatement. “I am glad to see Disney find its courage in the face of clear government intimidation,” she said, warning that citizens would need to resist what she described as an escalating campaign of censorship. Gomez stressed that Kimmel had not violated any FCC rules.
The White House, however, has stayed largely silent on the row. President Donald Trump, who previously congratulated ABC for suspending Kimmel, declined to comment when asked about the decision to bring the show back. His administration has faced accusations of encouraging federal agencies to exert pressure on media companies.
For Disney, the episode has been a bruising reminder of how swiftly corporate decisions can escalate into political flashpoints. The company had faced mounting criticism from its own stars, with Marvel actors, Disney showrunners and high-profile musicians threatening boycotts or vowing to cut ties if Kimmel was not reinstated. Some, including Tatiana Maslany and Olivia Rodrigo, urged fans to cancel Disney+ subscriptions.
Kimmel himself has not publicly commented since the announcement of his return, though allies suggest he is eager to get back behind the desk. The controversy has only amplified anticipation for Tuesday’s broadcast, which is expected to draw unusually high ratings as viewers tune in to hear whether he addresses the row directly.
The affair underscores how America’s culture wars have engulfed the entertainment industry, leaving networks and corporations struggling to navigate political divides. What began as a monologue about a tragic death escalated into a confrontation involving celebrities, lawmakers, regulators and the president himself.
Disney’s decision to restore Kimmel to the airwaves may calm some of the outrage, but the episode has already cemented its place as one of the most politically charged moments in late-night television history.