Jimmy Kimmel’s Return to TV Comes with a Shocking Set of Demands
In the world of late-night television, few hosts stir up as much conversation as Jimmy Kimmel. Known for his sharp humor and political commentary, Kimmel has long been a prominent figure in the entertainment landscape. However, his recent comments have led to a flurry of controversy, with significant consequences for his long-running show.
What started as a political statement quickly spiraled into a battle between networks, political parties, and Kimmel himself.
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The event that set everything into motion was the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during his appearance at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. The shooting immediately sparked a heated political debate, with many on the right accusing those on the left of being responsible, even before the identity of the shooter was revealed.
The incident quickly became headline news, with public figures and media outlets racing to offer their take on the unfolding situation.
Less than 24 hours later, police arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in connection with Kirk’s murder. Robinson has reportedly not been cooperative with investigators, and details surrounding his motives are still unclear. However, family members and his partner have suggested that Robinson’s political views might have been influenced by his MAGA background, though they also stated he did not agree with Kirk’s ideas.
The situation only grew more tense when Jimmy Kimmel addressed the shooting on his show. On September 15, Kimmel condemned the MAGA movement for attempting to distance themselves from Robinson, despite his apparent ties to the ideology.
He also criticized Donald Trump’s response to Kirk’s death, noting that the former president, when asked about his feelings, shifted the conversation to the White House’s ballroom renovations.
We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.
He’s at the fourth stage of grief, construction. This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he called a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish.
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Kimmel’s comments did not go unnoticed, and the backlash was swift and severe. Many conservative figures, including Donald Trump, voiced their disapproval, calling for ABC to cancel Kimmel’s show. The pressure intensified when FCC Chairman Brendan Carr intervened, suggesting that Disney had a choice: do things “the easy way or the hard way.”
On September 17, Disney and ABC made their decision, pulling Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air indefinitely. The move came after Nexstar Media, which owns several local television stations across the country, announced it would no longer air the show. While some applauded the decision, others saw it as a dangerous overreach, with many expressing concerns about the implications for free speech in the entertainment industry.
Sinclair Broadcasting, the largest ABC affiliate in the U.S., made it clear that it would only consider airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! again if certain demands were met.
Related: Disney Faces Backlash After Charlie Kirk Controversy—Millions Cancel Films, Park Trips
According to Sinclair, the following conditions would need to be fulfilled:
- A “direct apology” from Kimmel to Kirk’s family.
- A “meaningful” donation to Kirk’s family and his organization, Turning Point USA.
- Appropriate steps taken to “uphold the standards expected of a national broadcast platform.”
These demands, described by many as a heavy-handed response to Kimmel’s comments, added more fuel to the already heated situation. Sinclair further announced that it would air a special tribute to Charlie Kirk in place of Kimmel’s show on Friday, September 19, underscoring their stance.
The aftermath of Kimmel’s suspension has led to intense debates over freedom of speech and the role of television networks in regulating content. The Producers Guild of America, the Writers Guild of America, and the Screen Actors Guild have all condemned Disney’s actions, suggesting that pulling Kimmel’s show represents a “cooling effect” on free speech.
The controversy has attracted support for Kimmel from prominent figures, including former president Barack Obama, late-night hosts Jon Stewart and David Letterman, and numerous actors who have criticized the decision to suspend him.
In the days following Kimmel’s suspension, it became clear that the situation had exposed the fault lines between the political right and left, with each side accusing the other of attempting to silence free expression.
Related: ‘Jimmy Kimmel’ Replacement Revealed After Charlie Kirk Comments End in Indefinite Removal
Many on the left argue that Kimmel’s comments, though controversial, were an expression of his right to speak freely. On the other hand, conservative voices believe that Kimmel’s remarks were divisive and harmful, particularly during a time of national tragedy.
The entertainment industry is now facing a crossroads. As Disney, ABC, and Kimmel’s supporters navigate the storm, questions remain about the future of late-night television and the limits of free speech.
What do you think about Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension? Should talk-show hosts be punished for things that they say, or is it covered under the protection of free speech? Do you think Mr. Kimmel should have to meet any conditions, or should Disney and ABC reverse their decision to pull his show off the air? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
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The shooter has said, in his own words, that he was against Charlie Kirk and inscribed bullets with his political views, which were left. I’m surprised that you didn’t mention this in your article and very clearly made it sound like he was conservative. I am neither conservative or liberal but I don’t like falseness – so I’m disappointed.
Right or left means nothing, this was the act from an individual that has mental health issues. Normal people don’t go around killing human beings. People with mental health issues do. I am also disappointed with Disney taking Kimmel of the air. Cowardly on the part of Disney.
Where does freedom of speech begin and where does it become; to much for the public to handle. A murder is a very personal issue with every murder taken into account. Would Jimmy Kimmel want his families ; God forbid that should happen. But the question remains, would he want someone make light of his loss? Politics does not belong on any comedians show period. Politics and religion should not be ducussed on a comedians show period. If a comedian can’t produce enough jokes without making rude remarks. Then he dies not belong on television. I don’t watch Jimmy Kimmel because I don’t like his jokes. And I don’t find him funny.
The MAGA traitor “love” of free speech on display again.
Bob-Do you actually know what the first amendement says??? Clearly not if that is your reply. FREE SPEECH IS NOT EVEN UP FOR DEBATE…Let me explain..If Jimmy Kimmel were arrested for what he said…YES, that is a violation of his right to free speech. The government prosecuted him for what he said…They cannot do that. Since he was “suspended” by his employer (in an employ-at-will state, that is NOT a violation of his right to free speech as they have company standards to which he did not meet.
That is it…Right or Left…The right to free speech and what it says applies equally…BUT..since everyone LOVES to do partial quotes of what Charlie Kirk said…I will give you a full quote of what Jimmy Kimmel said on the topic of Rosanne Barr
Jimmy Kimmel – May 29, 2018
“And ABC, to their credit, didn’t waste any time; they cancelled her show today. I am not a fan of censorship, but this wasn’t about free speech…it was about consequences for saying something vile. You can say what. you want, but networks don’t have to pay you to say it. You can’t blame Ambien for that. Actions have consequences and ABC made the right call.”
Concur. This article is slanted Left. She mentions that many support Kimmel’s right to free speech but fails to mention that ABC/Disney have the right to fire people that express views that aren’t in harmony with broadcast norms or Disney policy. Nothing about Kimmel’s plummeting ratings either.
California is an employ at will state…he can go for absolutely no reason! This article is VERY slanted….sadly this is what media is these days…
I hope the Hollywood unions strike and force Bob Iger out, like they threatened for much less with Chapek. The man has completely destroyed Disney and panders to whatever illegitimate authority he thinks will give him a handout.
So done with Disney, ABC, Hulu etc. Again, you bow down to a criminal for your own financial benefit. You have turned your back on our county and now we will turn our back on you, I will NOT finish watching Dancing with the Stars, I just deleted my Wheel of Fortune on my DVR, I just started High Potential on Hulu and finished episode 4 and that is where I will stop because I am canceling Hulu. Also was planning my Disney/Epic vacation and will now ONLY be going to EPIC. And just so you know we go VIP on this trip, so you are losing lots and lots of money. You are a DISGRACE!!!!!!!!!!!
I say this to a follower of Jesus and what people so-called Christians these days, but the Bible clearly states that you can’t serve gotten money. In order for the Kimmy show to come back on I understand the apology but the giving money to turning point USA should not be part of it. It’s not about money it’s about a changed heart with the apology. Also, I have not listened to the Jimmy Kimmel show so I do not know what he said, but I don’t even know if he should have a canceled show if he did not celebrate or rejoice about a murder of someone who spoke about love Equality, freedom, and a sound mind. I didn’t listen to Charlie Kirk speak and I’m glad I listened to the whole thing or I would’ve thought he might have been confusing. It’s important to listen to all the context that he speaks to understand clearly. Our nation has a freedom of speech and if it’s not defaming harm for celebrating murder or hate That would seek to harm someone then that is the freedom we have.
No Disney made their decision period! He doesn’t care what Disney stands on! I am sick of these people running down our president and whom ever else and think it’s funny! You don’t make light of someone’s death!
You absolutely do. We have a Constitutional right to make light of anything we want without government oppression. And given you’re MAGA, I guarantee you already have. Remember George Floyd?
George Floyd was a worthless criminal who died of an overdose. Comparing him to Charlie Kirk shows everyone your hypocrisy.
You just did exactly that.
Apparently you didn’t listen to what Kimmel said… His statements did not make light of his death. In America, free speech is our 1st amendment. Also a free press which is under attack.
Now that Disney backtracked, will you still believe it’s right they made their own decision, or are you going to scream and stamp your feet and cheer as Trump threatens them?
I agree with James.
The reason for Jimmy Kimmel’s comment is to cause hate and he knows that. He lied to the public! If someone on the Republican side did that the Democratic side would be going bonkers! This has to stop! Tyler Robinsons own mother and family members said he was woke, but no not one ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, etc won’t let that information out. That’s lying to cause harm to the American people because again the Dems are try to divide us.
I love Disney and will keep going there!
My money is on you spending the last 10 years calling Disney woke. Only now that they bent the knee to the orange one do you “love” them.
When we go down the rabbit hole of not allowing freedom of speech, we are well on the way to an America that is not anything like what I grew up in. Are we going to be afraid to say anything, are we going to be monitored not only on social media, but in private conversations? One thing leads to another and with the “Tech” crowd getting so much power, this is just the beginning. Kimmel said nothing that would incite anyone to do harm to others. It was an opinion and showing Trump more interested in his garden than Kirk just pointed out the hypocrisy of the President and the Right. I thought he was clever and just pointed out the obvious. Give him back his show. I would hate to get rid of my Disney plus, but I am within a day of doing it. Cancel that Disney trip, I guess. Universal is nice this time of year.
Why is it celebraties and Democrats are not held to the same standards of conduct as any other employee in the United States? Empoyer have standards and policies that employees need to adhere to and it they violate those policies and procedures there are consequences. When did the United States of America become a nation of being cold hearted individuals withhout compassion, empathy. sympathy and integrity? Jimmy Kimmel and all the Kimmel want-a-bes lack all of these traits. This should be a wake-up call that the American people are not stupid and this behaviior should not and will not be acceptable. If a cast member at Disneyland or Walt Disney World was continuously disrectful to an guest at the Park they would have most likely been given a verbal warning, followed by a written warning and finaly terminated. Thank Bob Iger for doing the right thing.to an employee who was disrespectull to family who lost a husband, father and to a nation.
Why not some sympathy to all the American soldiers who died defending the First Amendment you are so keen to erase? You know, I used to agree with Republicans, before they took office recently. Now it’s nothing but double standards and power grabs. Your post, in that context, is simply deplorable rhetoric.
The show sucked.
I think his comments were insensitive . A wife lost her husband and children have lost their father, along with parents and siblings.
Boo hoo. Don’t try to pretend you care about being insensitive. This is only about power. Everybody knows, stop lying.
I will NOT lose any sleep. I don’t watch Kimmel !!!!!!!!
This is clearly a bow to the orange one. So, Disney agrees with an authoritarian president. I never watched Kimmel, but I will stand behind his first amendment rights and his right to speak what he wants as long as it isn’t threatening someone or inciting a riot. I used to work for Disney and used to be proud of it. Now I’m clearly very happy I’m no longer a cast member. I would have left. I have cancelled my Disney+, Hulu, ABC and anything else that Disney has its hands in. I hear that Universal is really nice. I’ll book to go there, and they will get my money. No more for the mouse. I’m done.
Leave him off the air because he lacks talent. His ratings were already garbage. His time on air is coming to an end anyway. Bye Jimmy.
After this incident, Jimmy has the most secure job in the entire Trump Economy. Bigly more than Trump’s own. Iger wouldn’t dare cancel the show for any reason.