jimmy kimmel suspension

Jimmy Kimmel Live! was suspended indefinitely by ABC and Disney on September 17, 2025, following Jimmy Kimmel's monologue comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The suspension decision was made by Disney CEO Bob Iger and Entertainment co-chair Dana Walden amid pressure from right-wing critics and threats received by employees and the show's staff. Kimmel refused to apologize for his remarks but planned to clarify them, stating that his comments were mischaracterized. The suspension raised debates on free speech and censorship, with backlash from both sides, including conservative calls to silence critics of Kirk and defenders of Kimmel's right to political satire. Kimmel's show was reinstated and returned to air on September 22, 2025, after "thoughtful conversations" with Disney officials, although some ABC affiliates still refused to air the program. The incident also led to Disney investors seeking company documents related to the suspension decision, suspecting political rather than business motives behind it.