Jimmy Kimmel Returning After MAGA-Linked Monologue

Disney and ABC announced Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to the network on Tuesday after an almost week-long suspension following Kimmel’s controversial monologue that linked the suspected killer of conservative activist Charlie Kirk to the MAGA movement. Disney paused production and called some comments “ill-timed and thus insensitive,” saying it acted to avoid further inflaming tensions after programming moves by major affiliates such as Nexstar and Sinclair and regulatory pressure from FCC Chair Brendan Carr. The suspension prompted a large backlash — hundreds of celebrities, unions, free-speech advocates and industry groups condemned the removal and some launched a viral boycott movement calling it censorship. After “thoughtful conversations” between Kimmel and Disney leadership — reportedly including CEO Bob Iger and senior ABC executives — the company reversed course and reinstated the program. It remains unclear whether all local affiliates will air the reinstated episode, as some distributors have said they may withhold carriage unless Kimmel apologizes or other conditions are met, and Kimmel is expected to address the controversy on-air. Late-night peers including Stephen Colbert celebrated the return, framing it as a win for free expression.