Jimmy Kimmel made his return to television on Tuesday night following a suspension imposed by ABC’s parent company, Disney. The controversy stemmed from comments Kimmel made that drew ire from President Donald Trump and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. He took the opportunity to denounce political violence while asserting the importance of free speech in America, quickly transitioning back to his signature style of humor aimed at Trump, who had criticized him on social media just prior to the broadcast.
Kimmel’s opening monologue, which you can find on YouTube, struck a chord in a climate where many celebrities have felt compelled to tone down their criticism of Trump. This has become commonplace, as high-profile figures adapt to the increasingly charged political landscape.
In his monologue, Kimmel firmly stood his ground without resorting to apologies. Instead, he expressed understanding of how his words might have been misinterpreted, skillfully navigating the tension without bowing to political pressure. This displayed a resilience that seems rare among notable figures, especially given the recent climate in Hollywood and beyond, where many have aligned themselves closely with Trump.
What sparked the backlash?
The initial stir came from Kimmel’s remarks regarding the death of MAGA influencer Charlie Kirk, who was killed while debating college students in Utah. On his show, Kimmel stated, “We witnessed some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA crowd managing to distance themselves from this tragedy while clawing for political advantage from it.” This remark was part of a larger joke addressing Trump.
However, much of the conservative media failed to present the full context of Kimmel’s comment. Instead, they opted to amplify outrage without sharing the actual segment, making it easier to stoke the flames of controversy.
1. Just so we’re clear, this is the clip that got Jimmy Kimmel’s show shelved by ABC.
If I’m missing any other clips please let me know.
— Yashar Ali (@yasharali.bsky.social) September 17, 2025 at 7:08 PM
The FCC’s Role in the Controversy
The outcry against Kimmel intensified, particularly after FCC Chairman Carr threatened to take action against networks that allowed him to remain on air. Kimmel remarked, “When you have the FCC chairman saying ‘we can do this the easy way or the hard way,’ that not only violates the First Amendment, it’s also a foolish public threat.” He also humorously addressed comments from Senator Ted Cruz, who likened Carr’s tone to that of a mobster.
Kimmel acknowledged that he received mixed opinions regarding how to handle the situation, but ultimately decided to speak from the heart. He mentioned his intention to express empathy regarding Kirk’s family and rejected any notion that he condoned violence.
Why is Kimmel not airing in certain markets?
Even with his return, Kimmel’s show was notably absent from several major markets like St. Louis, Salt Lake City, and Washington D.C. This blackout was due to two major companies, Sinclair and Nextstar, refusing to air the program as they continue to claim Kimmel’s comments were inappropriate. These companies control about 22% of ABC affiliates in the U.S., making this a significant issue for Kimmel’s visibility.
Sinclair has demanded an apology from Kimmel along with a financial contribution to Kirk’s political group, Turning Point USA, but Kimmel did not address these demands during his show.
Trump’s Reaction to Kimmel’s Return
Trump took to social media to express his disbelief that Kimmel was back on air, tweeting about the supposed communications he had with ABC. His comments implied a continuous vendetta against Kimmel, despite his allies claiming that Kimmel’s suspension was not due to presidential pressure.
Kimmel, undeterred, hinted at the broader issues with media censorship and expressed determination to continue his work regardless of the challenges posed by Trump and others.
The Impact of the Disney Boycott on Free Speech
During his monologue, Kimmel made a tongue-in-cheek reference to a “contract” he imagined Disney made him follow, humorously suggesting he needed to promote Disney+ subscriptions. This nod to the calls for boycotts certainly reflects a real fear within corporate media spheres; companies like Disney are feeling the heat from political activism. If they fail to toe the political line, they risk losing valuable audiences.
Kimmel stated, “It’s a slippery slope when the threats to silence a comedian are coming from the government because of the president’s whims.” This sentiment resonates deeply in today’s political climate and comments on the ongoing struggle for free expression.
Reflecting on the challenges comedians face, Kimmel noted the legacy of fear instilled by figures like Lenny Bruce and George Carlin, emphasizing that political threats against free speech are fundamentally un-American.
Questions Readers Might Have:
What did Jimmy Kimmel say to cause his suspension? Kimmel’s comments regarding the death of Charlie Kirk during a debate sparked political outrage, leading to calls for his suspension from ABC.
Why was Jimmy Kimmel’s show not aired in some major cities? Kimmel’s show was not broadcasted in various markets due to opposition from Sinclair and Nextstar, two companies that own several ABC affiliates.
How did Trump respond to Jimmy Kimmel’s return? Trump expressed disbelief and disdain on social media, questioning Kimmel’s relevance and criticizing ABC’s decision to let him back on air.
What are the implications of Kimmel’s suspension for free speech? Kimmel’s situation raises significant concerns about political influence over media, highlighting ongoing tensions between comedy, public discourse, and censorship.
In this rapidly changing landscape, we stand to learn from Kimmel’s resilience. By continuing to challenge authority while advocating for free speech, comedians like him help keep the conversation alive. For more insights on this topic and much more, check out Moyens I/O.