Jimmy Kimmel’s Late Night Show Returns After Controversial Suspension: Disney Resumes Production Following Outrage and Celebrity Backlash

Jimmy Kimmel Live! will resume airing on Tuesday, confirmed Disney, following a brief hiatus instigated due to pressure from the Trump administration. The suspension came after Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair Brendan Carr criticized comedian Kimmel’s comments regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk, stating, “Kimmel’s comments were inappropriate and harmful, particularly during such a sensitive period for our nation.”

Carr urged ABC affiliates carrying Kimmel’s show to preempt it, which prompted Nexstar—a broadcaster owning stations across the country requiring FCC approval for a multibillion-dollar merger with media company TEGNA—to remove the program.

In response, Disney explained their decision to suspend production by stating, “Given some of the comments were ill-timed and potentially insensitive, we believe it’s best to take a pause in order to avoid further escalating tensions.”

Following discussions with Kimmel, Disney announced they would resume production. The comedian’s suspension sparked widespread condemnation, leading entertainers such as Lin-Manuel Miranda, Pedro Pascal, Selena Gomez, and Olivia Rodrigo to sign an open letter criticizing the decision. The ACLU joined in, expressing concerns that the move infringed upon values enshrined by the U.S. Constitution: freedom of speech.

Their joint statement read, “We stand for the principles our nation was founded upon—freedom of speech being a fundamental right. Regardless of political alignment or involvement in politics, we all cherish our country and believe no one should be silenced by those in power.”