Overview
- Kimmel resumed hosting after nearly a week, delivering an emotional monologue that denied any intent to make light of Charlie Kirk’s killing or to blame a political group, while praising Erika Kirk’s public forgiveness.
- Sinclair and Nexstar continued to preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! on roughly 70 ABC affiliates, affecting viewers in markets such as Washington, D.C., St. Louis, Nashville and Richmond, though the show remained available via streaming.
- President Trump attacked ABC for restoring the show and threatened legal action, labeling Kimmel an arm of the DNC and referencing a prior settlement with the network.
- FCC Chair Brendan Carr had warned broadcasters they could face consequences, drawing bipartisan rebukes, as hundreds of celebrities and civil-liberties advocates rallied to Kimmel’s defense and Disney faced subscription cancellations.
- Senate Democrats launched a probe into the affiliate blackouts and potential ties to pending FCC matters, while authorities say the accused shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, remains charged and his motive is still unclear.