Jimmy Kimmel Returns After ABC/Disney Suspension

Jimmy Kimmel returned to Jimmy Kimmel Live! after a nearly weeklong suspension by ABC/Disney over comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, opening the episode with an emotional, teary monologue. He said he never intended to make light of the murder, noted he had posted condolences on Instagram, and clarified he did not mean to blame any specific group, calling the killer a deeply disturbed individual. Kimmel acknowledged why people were upset and stopped short of a full apology, but he soon resumed his comedic jabs, including at former President Donald Trump. Disney and ABC reinstated the show after what they described as thoughtful conversations, while some affiliates such as Nexstar and Sinclair initially pulled the program. The episode drew defenses from fellow late-night hosts and some conservative figures and became a flashpoint in a broader debate over free speech, media accountability and partisan backlash.