Disney has announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to broadcast on Tuesday, ending a brief suspension that sparked a national debate on free speech. The suspension was imposed after comments Kimmel made about Maga following the killing of far-right activist Charlie Kirk.
Disney, which owns ABC, said the decision to suspend the show was made to avoid inflaming tensions, adding that the comments were considered 'ill-timed and insensitive'. Following discussions with Kimmel, the company decided to resume production.
However, Sinclair Broadcast Group, the largest owner of ABC stations, stated it will not air the show on its 38 ABC affiliates, including in Washington DC. Sinclair demands an apology to Kirk's family, a donation to Turning Point USA, and a meeting with representatives before allowing the show back.
The controversy began when Kimmel said 'the Maga gang' was trying to characterise Kirk's killer as anything other than one of them. FCC chair Brendan Carr threatened ABC's affiliate licences, prompting Disney to act. The suspension drew praise from Donald Trump and criticism from figures including Ted Cruz and the Writers Guild of America.
More than 400 Hollywood stars, including Jennifer Aniston and Tom Hanks, signed an ACLU letter condemning Disney's decision. The show will still be available online after broadcast.
