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ABC had announced it would suspend late-night host Jimmy Kimmel indefinitely after he made controversial comments about the fatal shooting of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk. His remarks sparked widespread backlash. Many called for an apology and for the network to take action. But now ABC has decided to bring Jimmy back, and there are a few reasons that may have influenced their decision.
The suspension happened on September 18, 2025. Less than a week later, ABC announced that Jimmy Kimmel’s show would return on September 23, 2025. The network said the suspension was meant to avoid making a tense situation worse during an emotional moment for the country. They explained that his comments were “ill-timed and insensitive.” Over the past week, ABC had conversations with Jimmy, which led them to reinstate the show.
There are reports that the decision may have been influenced by financial pressure. After the suspension, hashtags like #BoycottABC and #BoycottDisney trended on social media. Many users said they were canceling Disney subscriptions. Some claimed Disney lost nearly four billion dollars because of the suspension. However, there is no official proof of that exact figure. What is known is that Disney’s share prices dropped 1.9 percent, roughly a $3.87 billion loss, around the same time. While the timing coincides with the suspension, there is no confirmed direct link.
As for what Jimmy Kimmel actually said, it happened during his September 15, 2025, show. His monologue addressed Charlie Kirk’s tragic shooting. Kimmel criticized the “MAGA gang” for using the tragedy for political gain. He also mocked the national response, particularly the lowering of flags to half-mast, calling it immature and comparing it to a child losing a pet. He said that some groups were trying to portray the shooter as anything other than who he was to score political points.