Overview
- Accepting the award on Jan. 4 in Santa Monica, Kimmel thanked “our president, Donald Jennifer Trump,” quipping that Trump’s “ridiculous” daily actions helped deliver the trophy.
- Kimmel praised writers, actors, producers and union members who backed him, saying their support reinforced that free speech is not taken for granted in the industry.
- ABC pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air for six days in September 2025 after Nexstar and Sinclair objected to a monologue about Charlie Kirk’s killing and FCC Chair Brendan Carr signaled possible action.
- The show’s return drew an estimated 6.3 million viewers, far above its usual audience, as Kimmel delivered an emotional monologue addressing the controversy.
- Variety reported Kimmel extended his Disney deal to keep Jimmy Kimmel Live! on air through 2027, with the host set to resume new episodes on Jan. 5 after the holiday break.