ABC has announced that the show „Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will return to screens on Tuesday, nearly a week after being suspended following strong reactions to the host’s comments on the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, NBC News reports.
ABC has confirmed that the production of „Jimmy Kimmel Live!” resumes on Tuesday, ending a nearly week-long hiatus caused by the controversy sparked by the host’s statements about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
"We suspended the show to avoid escalating a tense situation at an emotional time for the country," said Walt Disney Company, ABC's owner.
The suspension came after Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr threatened to revoke ABC's affiliate licenses, labeling Kimmel's comments as "the most serious possible conduct."
In his Monday monologue, Kimmel criticized the "MAGA gang," accusing them of trying to gain political capital from Kirk's assassination.
The network's decision to halt the show has sparked heated reactions.
Over 400 celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston, Robert De Niro, and Meryl Streep, have signed an open letter to the ACLU, describing the moment as "dark for freedom of expression."
"The efforts of leaders to pressure artists and companies through threats strike at the heart of democracy," the letter states.