Jimmy Kimmel and Disney are in talks on how to bring his show back

ABC announced on Sept. 17 that Jimmy Kimmel Live will be pre-empted indefinitely, according to Politico and the Associated Press.

In his Sept. 15 monologue, Kimmel said:

“We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang trying to characterize this kid who killed Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.”

He added,

“In between the finger-pointing, there was grieving,”

and mocked Donald Trump’s reaction by saying:

“This is how a 4-year-old mourns a goldfish, OK?”

These remarks were reported by AP and Reuters.

On Sept. 18, Reuters reported that Disney CEO Bob Iger and entertainment co-chair Dana Walden had decided the best approach would be to take the show off the air and later find a way to bring Kimmel back.

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Reaction from the FCC and affiliates

FCC Chair Brendan Carr described the comments as “truly sick,” according to AP. In an interview with conservative podcaster Benny Johnson, Carr also said:

“We can do this the easy way or the hard way. These companies can find ways to change conduct and take action, frankly, on Kimmel,” as reported by Reuters.

Nexstar Media announced it would pull the program for the foreseeable future. Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar’s broadcasting division, said Jimmy Kimmel’s language was

“offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse,” according to Politico.

Sinclair also suspended the show, citing problematic comments regarding the murder of Charlie Kirk, as reported by AP.

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Meeting without resolution

A source cited by Reuters said that Jimmy Kimmel said that Jimmy Kimmel had prepared a statement, but Kimmel and Disney representatives could not find language they agreed would not further inflame the situation. As taping time approached, Iger and Walden decided to temporarily pull the program.

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Political pressure and Hollywood’s response

Donald Trump praised ABC for “finally having the courage to do what had to be done,” according to Politico and AP. While visiting the United Kingdom, he added that the host had been punished for saying a horrible thing about Kirk, as reported by Reuters.

Former President Barack Obama said the administration had reached a

“new and dangerous level by routinely threatening regulatory action against media companies unless they muzzle or fire reporters and commentators it doesn’t like,” according to AP.

FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez stated:

“We cannot allow an inexcusable act of political violence to be twisted into justification for government censorship and control,” also reported by AP.

Actress Jean Smart wrote:

“What Jimmy said was FREE speech, not hate speech. People seem to only want to protect free speech when it suits THEIR agenda.”

By contrast, Megyn Kelly called Jimmy Kimmel’s remarks “a vile, disgusting lie.” Both comments were reported by AP.

Damon Lindelof said he would stop working with Disney if Kimmel isn’t reinstated, according to Puck.

Stephen Colbert also weighed in. During a Q&A before taping The Late Show on Sept. 18, he told the audience:

“I’ll say this for my network. They wouldn’t have done this. Now regardless of what you think, that has already been done and how that looks, this is weak. This is blatant censorship.”

Colbert added:

“With an autocrat, you cannot give an inch… Jimmy, I stand with you and your staff 100%,” as reported by People.

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Uncertain future for Jimmy Kimmel and his program

As of now, no return date has been confirmed. Reuters reported that executives will continue to meet with Jimmy Kimmel to discuss the future of his program.

The suspension has been cited in ongoing debates about free speech and political influence.

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The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel has moved far beyond a late-night story. Talks between Disney and the host continue, but the decision has already reshaped how the company is perceived. The controversy has highlighted the overlap between free expression, political pressure, and corporate decision-making.