Disney to Resume Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC Following Brief Suspension

The Walt Disney Company announced Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to ABC News (Lean Left bias) on Tuesday after a brief suspension last Wednesday.

The Statement: In a statement, Disney said, “Last Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country. It is a decision we made because we felt 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.”

For Context: Kimmel’s show was pulled from its schedule after backlash on his comments about the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk. Following the suspension, several public figures and organizations voiced their opposition, including over 400 actors, musicians and film directors who signed an open letter by the American Civil Liberties Union. Over the weekend, many online also shared they had cancelled their Disney+ subscriptions in protest. Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, however, are continuing the ban on Kimmel.

How the Media Covered It: Fox Business (Lean Right) said “experts argue that ABC and Disney put itself in a tough situation” by pulling the show, and that the change “underscores how the financial fallout for ABC centers on the importance of advertising dollars for late night television.” The New York Times (Lean Left) said, “The subsequent suspension of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ almost immediately morphed into a flashpoint for free speech in America.” Reuters (Center) highlighted Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr saying Kimmel was not suspended as a result of government pressure.

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