Disney Confirms Jimmy Kimmel Show’s Return Tomorrow
The talk show host leveled an accusation against “the MAGA gang,” alleging they were exploiting the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk for political gain.
US comedian Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show is set to resume airing on ABC’s broadcast network this Tuesday. This comes after a week-long suspension that was prompted by the host’s contentious statements concerning the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
ABC’s parent corporation, Disney, made this decision public on Monday. It comes less than seven days after the program was suddenly taken off air with the stated aim of “preventing the further escalation of a delicate situation.”
“Over the past few days, we engaged in considered discussions with Jimmy, and subsequent to those conversations, we concluded that the show should return on Tuesday,” the company stated. CNBC reported that the ultimate decision to reinstate the late-night program was made by Disney CEO Bob Iger and Dana Walden, who serves as co-chair of Disney Entertainment.
Kimmel’s monologue delivered last Monday was the cause of the suspension. During this monologue, he asserted that “the MAGA gang [is] making desperate efforts to portray the individual who assassinated Charlie Kirk as someone not affiliated with them, and are doing all in their power to derive political advantage from the situation.”
The suspension garnered extensive condemnation from various sectors, including Hollywood personalities, labor unions, organizations advocating for civil liberties, and even some who back Trump. Republican Senator Ted Cruz labeled Carr’s statements as “extremely perilous” and equated them to strategies typically used by “the mafia.”
Even with Disney’s change of heart, Sinclair announced that it would not broadcast the program immediately, stating that “talks with ABC are continuing as we assess the possibility of the show’s comeback.” Nevertheless, the episode will be accessible digitally via ABC’s online channels.