Disney Reinstates Jimmy Kimmel Live After Backlash

Disney-owned ABC said it will return Jimmy Kimmel Live! after briefly suspending the show following Kimmel’s controversial comments about the killing of Charlie Kirk; Disney said the pause was meant to avoid inflaming a tense moment and followed “thoughtful conversations” with the host. The suspension came after major affiliates, including Nexstar and Sinclair, preempted the program and followed public comments from FCC Chair Brendan Carr that hinted at potential regulatory action, prompting bipartisan concern that the agency risked chilling free speech. Thousands of celebrities and entertainers rallied against the suspension, called for boycotts of Disney content and parks, and performers pulled out of ABC events, while peers defended Kimmel; HBO’s John Oliver and others publicly condemned Disney and CEO Bob Iger for the network’s response. President Trump celebrated the suspension and renewed attacks on late-night hosts, even as some Republicans, including Ted Cruz and Rand Paul, criticized Carr’s remarks; Carr denies federal pressure and later attributed ABC’s move to ratings.