Overview

• Disney/ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! after his remarks about Charlie Kirk, then reinstated the show days later as Kimmel delivered an emotional on‑air apology.
• FCC Chair Brendan Carr warned Disney to “take action on Kimmel” or face “the hard way,” and President Trump praised the suspension, mused about revoking licenses and threatened to sue ABC.
• Nexstar and Sinclair preempted the program on their ABC affiliates over the remarks, and many of those stations continue to withhold the show in their markets.
• Public protests and a Hollywood Boulevard rally organized by Rep. Laura Friedman with participation from entertainment unions and members of Congress amplified backlash against perceived government coercion.
• Debate has shifted to the constitutional boundaries of government “jawboning,” with bipartisan criticism citing a 2024 Supreme Court precedent and commentary noting reports that the accused shooter’s politics were left‑leaning.