Disney reversed last week’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night program, a move made amid fierce affiliate backlash and political pressure over the comedian’s remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Now, the company faces mounting criticism from lawmakers, civil liberties advocates, celebrities, and even its own creative talent, who accuse Disney of caving to censorship.
On Wednesday of last week, Disney announced production on the show would be suspended to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for the country. In the days following that announcement, the company held a series of thoughtful conversations with Jimmy. As a result, Disney decided the show would return the following Tuesday. According to ABC’s website, actor Glen Powell will be Kimmel’s first guest back.
The controversy began when Kimmel criticized the “MAGA gang” for their response to the murder of Charlie Kirk and mocked Donald Trump’s reaction.
Kimmel’s remarks drew quick condemnation. FCC Chair Brendan Carr called them “truly sick” and threatened action. Nexstar Media Group stopped airing the show, while Sinclair Broadcasting demanded an apology and a donation to Kirk’s nonprofit.
Former President Trump welcomed the suspension and suggested some TV networks should have their licenses “taken away” for negative coverage. He did not address the reinstatement when asked at a White House event on Monday. Vice President JD Vance and other Trump allies have also pushed for punitive measures against Kirk’s critics, underscoring the dispute’s political undertones.
Not all Republicans supported the FCC’s stance. Sen. Ted Cruz, while opposing Kimmel’s comments, warned that government intervention in broadcast content could set a dangerous precedent. “If the government starts banning what the media says, that will end up bad for conservatives,” he said. Sen. Rand Paul called Carr’s threats “absolutely inappropriate.”
Civil liberties groups and Hollywood also defended Kimmel. Hundreds of celebrities, including Meryl Streep, Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, and Jennifer Aniston, signed a letter calling his suspension a “dark moment for freedom of speech.” The ACLU said Disney’s decision risked chilling political commentary in entertainment.
Public backlash was also forceful. Protesters gathered outside Disney’s Burbank headquarters, while subscribers flooded social media with screenshots of canceled Disney+ and Hulu accounts. Tatiana Maslany urged followers to cut ties with Disney platforms. Marisa Tomei and producer Damon Lindelof made similar calls, amplifying a boycott threatening Disney’s streaming business.
Sinclair will continue to preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! with local news until it concludes talks with ABC. Nexstar has not confirmed its next steps. Meanwhile, Kimmel has remained silent on the controversy, declining to comment publicly since his suspension.
Inside Disney, the episode has reportedly sparked intense debate. “The blowback was intense,” media reporter Dylan Byers told BBC Radio 4, adding that former executives, Hollywood stars, and even past presidents weighed in. “At a certain point, that became too much.”
Fellow late-night hosts celebrated Kimmel’s return. “Wonderful news from my dear friend Jimmy and his amazing staff,” Stephen Colbert said. Seth Meyers called the return a “massive national backlash to Trump’s crackdown on free speech.” Jon Stewart joked that the boycott was effective: “Pretending to cancel Hulu while racing through four seasons of Only Murders in the Building—that really worked.”
Disney’s reversal does not end the controversy. With affiliates divided, political tensions high, and regulators watching, the decision highlights the delicate balance media companies must strike between editorial independence and appeasing power. Whether Kimmel’s reinstatement restores trust or prolongs the fight remains to be seen.
