NEW YORK (AP) — ABC has decided to reinstate Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show after the initial suspension raised public outcry over Kimmel’s comments on the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The network had temporarily pulled Kimmel from the air amid criticism, stating they needed to 'de-escalate a tense situation' that had arisen in the wake of the tragedy.
After thoughtful discussions with Kimmel, the network confirmed the show's return, set for Tuesday. Kimmel's remarks sharply criticized not only Trump but also his supporters, whom Kimmel accused of using Kirk's murder for political gain.
Political tension around the incident intensified, prompting two major ABC affiliates, Nexstar and Sinclair, to withdraw the show from airing. The reinstatement has elicited responses from various figures, including Andrew Kolvert, a spokesperson for Turning Point USA—Kirk's organization—who expressed disappointment over Kimmel's return.
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr decried Kimmel’s comments as 'sick', while claiming there were no direct threats regarding license revocation until Kimmel's suspension was publicized. The political landscape further complicated Kimmel’s case, as Trump and others on the right leveraged the situation to promote narratives about 'censorship' and 'cancel culture'.
As Kimmel resumes, his commentary on the incident and the aftermath of Kirk’s death—characterizing the shooting as politically motivated—may draw further scrutiny from a polarized public.
