“`html
US comedian Jimmy Kimmel is set to return to his late-night talk show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, on Tuesday after a brief suspension stemming from jokes made regarding the death of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.
Disney, the parent company of ABC, the US broadcast network that airs “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, stated on Monday that the show was suspended due to concerns that “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,” Disney announced in a statement.
The comedian’s abrupt suspension followed implicit threats from a federal regulatory body to potentially revoke ABC’s broadcast license, igniting nationwide discussions about freedom of speech.
Former US President Donald Trump had previously welcomed Kimmel’s suspension, suggesting that certain television networks should have their licenses “taken away” for what he deemed negative coverage of his administration.
Trump did not address Kimmel’s reinstatement when questioned by a reporter during a White House event on Monday.
Critics and First Amendment advocates have denounced the decision as an act of censorship and a violation of free speech principles.
Kimmel has not yet publicly commented on the suspension or the ensuing controversy.
The controversy originated from a monologue Kimmel delivered on September 15, in which he stated that the “Maga gang” were “desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them” and attempting to “score political points from it.”
He also satirized Trump’s response to Kirk’s death, showcasing a clip of the former president addressing the tragedy by pivoting to a discussion about the construction of a new White House ballroom.
Kimmel likened the response to “how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish.”
Brendan Carr, the Trump-appointed commissioner of the broadcast regulator, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), threatened potential action against ABC and its parent company, Disney, regarding Kimmel’s remarks.
This dispute coincides with a broader campaign led by Vice President JD Vance and other White House allies to penalize individuals who have criticized Kirk following his death.
Shortly after Mr. Carr’s initial statements about Kimmel’s monologue, Nexstar Media, a prominent owner of US television stations, announced its decision to suspend airing “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” “for the foreseeable future.”
Sinclair, the largest ABC affiliate group in the United States, followed suit, prompting ABC to announce an “indefinite” suspension of the program.
Mr. Carr commended Nexstar “for doing the right thing” and expressed his hope that other broadcasters would emulate its action. Nexstar is currently seeking FCC approval for its proposed $6.2 billion (£4.5 billion) merger with Tegna.
As of Monday, Nexstar and Sinclair had not responded to the BBC’s requests for comment.
ABC’s decision was met with protests in California and widespread condemnation from the Writers Guild of America, the Screen Actors Guild, lawmakers, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), who argued that the suspension infringes upon free speech rights and could establish a chilling precedent.
Kimmel’s late-night colleagues, including Jon Stewart, John Oliver, and outgoing CBS host Stephen Colbert, voiced their support for him. Furthermore, hundreds of celebrities and Hollywood creatives signed a letter in solidarity with Kimmel.
Notable figures such as Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston, Meryl Streep, and Robert De Niro characterized Kimmel’s suspension as a “dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation.”
The raucous event combined memorial service, big-church Christian religious revival and conservative political rally.
BBC’s Pride and Prejudice screenwriter Andrew Davies says a student suggested making it “sexy”.
The presenter, who featured on the BBC’s Watchdog, had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Donald Trump and JD Vance will be among the speakers at the event in Arizona.
Saturday’s spectacular saw a performance by last year’s winners Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell, along with pop star Jessie J.
“`