Local TV stations say they will not air Jimmy Kimmel Live! despite Disney-owned ABC bringing back the comedian's late-night show—this move comes just a week after he was suspended for comments about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Nexstar and Sinclair, which manage a large number of ABC-affiliated stations, have announced that they will continue to replace Kimmel's show with regular programming. Sinclair's vice-chairman, Jason Smith, stated, Mr. Kimmel's remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country.
Kimmel's show was taken off the air following his monologue that sparked controversy. Nexstar reiterated its decision, emphasizing its commitment to promoting a 'respectful and constructive dialogue.'
In a related context, Kimmel had noted the political reactions to Kirk's murder, suggesting that some were trying to manipulate the circumstances for their gain. His comments drew criticism, alleging they misled viewers about the motivations and ideologies involved in such violent actions.
Disney announced Kimmel's return, identifying the remarks as 'ill-timed and insensitive,' and expressed that they engaged with Kimmel following the incident.
The backlash against Kimmel included support from numerous celebrities who described the suspension as censorship, while the actions prompted discussions surrounding freedom of speech and media responsibility.
The situation escalated recently when an individual allegedly fired a weapon into an ABC news affiliate’s lobby, perceived as a threat to the network amidst ongoing political tensions.
