Kimmel to return to ABC airwaves this week
Matthew Sanders
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Jimmy Kimmel is returning to the ABC late-night lineup this week.
The Walt Disney Company, which owns ABC, released a statement Monday about the decision.
“Last Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country,” the statement says. “It is a decision we made because we felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive. We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday.”
“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” was suspended last Wednesday after criticism of Kimmel’s remarks about the death of Charlie Kirk, claiming Kirk’s allies were using his death for political gain. FCC Chair Brendan Carr made statements perceived as threats toward Disney and other broadcasters who run content critical of President Trump.
ABC also faced backlash for the suspension by those claiming the network was stifling free speech.
The show will air on ABC 17 in its normal time slot. Sinclair stations have pledged not to resume the show in markets where the company owns ABC affiliates.