Disney is pressing Jimmy Kimmel to de-escalate his rhetoric as it weighs a return for Jimmy Kimmel Live! after suspending the late-night program this week following a controversial monologue about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Top Disney executives, including CEO Bob Iger and Disney Entertainment co-chair Dana Walden, met with Kimmel to discuss de-escalation and a path to revival, according to Bloomberg News. The company has not announced a firm return date.
The earliest return date floated publicly was this Monday, though officials cautioned that no agreement had been finalized and that security and public reception were part of the calculus.
The suspension followed Kimmel's Monday address in which he criticized Republicans for allegedly distorting his words about Kirk's death and, according to reports, signaled an on-air plan to address MAGA supporters. Walden was reported to have warned that such remarks could escalate tensions, prompting Disney to suspend the program.
The decision to pull the show drew blowback in Hollywood and layered security concerns as staffers reported death threats and doxxing; the El Capitan Entertainment Centre in Hollywood, where Kimmel tapes, has stepped up security in recent days, and Kimmel has traveled to his attorney's office in Century City.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr warned ABC’s licenses could be reviewed if the remarks violate broadcast rules, while Sinclair and Nexstar threatened to drop the program. The show remains a money-losing but high-profile asset in Disney's late-night lineup.
Inside Disney, executives have pursued a de-escalation plan rather than a demand for an on-air apology; the company has not publicly pressed for one, and Kimmel has indicated no plan to apologize. ABC continues to hold commercial slots in case the show returns next week, but no decision has been announced.
Former late-night host David Letterman criticized Disney’s handling, while President Trump used the turmoil to attack the network and urge rivals to cancel other hosts on Truth Social. Barack Obama also weighed in, accusing Trump of embracing cancel culture. Unions representing actors and producers warned the suspension could chill free expression in the industry.
Industry observers say networks face pressure from regulators, advertisers and talent unions when a controversy of this scale erupts. As the week ends, Disney has not confirmed a firm return date or a new on-air plan for Kimmel's show.
