ABC will reinstate Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show following an indefinite suspension after backlash over Kimmel’s comments regarding the recent killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The decision to return the show comes after ABC executives engaged in extensive discussions with Kimmel. ABC stated on Monday that they had thoughtful conversations with the host, leading to the decision that Kimmel’s show would be back on air Tuesday.
Kimmel's remarks focused less on Kirk specifically, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, and more on criticizing Trump and his supporters for their reaction to the murder incident.
Initial responses to Kimmel's commentary resulted in ABC's largest affiliates pulling the show off their stations, which prompted the network to suspend the program. Andrew Kolvert, a spokesperson for Turning Point USA, the organization founded by Kirk, expressed disappointment in ABC's decision to reinstate Kimmel, hinting that other affiliates like Nexstar and Sinclair might choose differently.
No comments from those affiliates were made immediately following the announcement. Meanwhile, Kimmel has yet to comment publicly on the suspension or his show's reinstatement.
Events Leading to Kimmel’s Suspension
While ABC did not initially elaborate on Kimmel's suspension, affiliates Nexstar and Sinclair criticized the host's “offensive and insensitive” comments following the murder of Kirk, prompting the show’s abrupt removal from their respective lineups.
The suspension sparked debates on the sensitivity of media discussions concerning violent acts, especially in a politically charged environment. The Walt Disney Co., which owns ABC, expressed a desire to navigate these turbulent waters carefully, stating the suspension was an effort to avoid inflaming tensions further.
Political Reactions
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr condemned Kimmel’s statements, warning of potential repercussions for ABC if Kimmel was not subject to disciplinary action. However, following the reinstatement announcement, Carr denied having threatened any license revocations over the remarks.
In defending Kimmel, former President Obama emphasized the potential for media companies to resist governmental pressures that seek to silence unfavorable commentary.
Simultaneously, reactions from conservative figures included praise for Kimmel's suspension, with Trump calling for Kimmel's termination due to what he characterized as a lack of talent. Kimmel's stance following Kirk's death has sparked discussions on the broader implications of a politically charged media landscape.
Ultimately, this incident serves as a critical reminder of the tensions within the current media environment, where content moderation and free speech remain contentious issues.
