Will Trump's Fury Over Kimmel's Return Lead to a Lawsuit Against ABC?

Jimmy Kimmel has made a triumphant return to the screen after a brief suspension, following backlash over comments he made regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. As Kimmel resumes his role, Donald Trump has publicly criticised ABC for reinstating him, threatening potential repercussions. This article explores the context of Kimmel's suspension, Trump's response, and the broader implications for media and political discourse in the US.

Last updated: 23 September 2025 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Jimmy Kimmel returns to television after a six-day suspension due to controversial comments.
• Donald Trump criticises ABC for reinstating Kimmel, suggesting it may harm the network.
• Kimmel's suspension sparked significant outrage among Hollywood figures and political commentators.
• ABC's decision to bring Kimmel back is met with mixed reactions, highlighting divisions in American media.
• Conservative groups call for boycotts and pressure campaigns against Kimmel's return.

Background on Kimmel's Suspension

Jimmy Kimmel, a prominent late-night talk show host, was suspended from ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" after making comments about the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who was shot during a Q&A session at Utah Valley University on 10 September 2025. Kimmel's remarks, which some perceived as insensitive, led to swift backlash from various political groups, particularly those aligned with Kirk and former President Trump.

Political Context

The shooting of Kirk has been described as a 'political assassination,' raising tensions in an already polarised political climate. Kirk was known for his controversial views and was a vocal supporter of Trump, making the incident particularly sensitive. Kimmel's comments were interpreted by some as downplaying the severity of the event and its implications for political discourse in America.

Trump's Reaction

Following Kimmel's suspension, former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to express his discontent with ABC's decision to reinstate Kimmel. He stated, “I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back,” insinuating that the network had misled the White House about Kimmel's cancellation. Trump's post suggested a belief that Kimmel's return would jeopardise ABC's reputation and ratings, claiming that the host's comedic talent was lacking.

Threats and Implications

Trump further indicated that he might take action against ABC, referencing a previous defamation settlement that yielded him $16 million from Paramount Global. He expressed confidence that his latest challenge could result in an even more lucrative outcome. Trump's comments underscore the ongoing tensions between political figures and media outlets, particularly regarding the portrayal of conservative views in mainstream media.

The Fallout from Kimmel's Suspension

The decision to suspend Kimmel sparked significant outrage among Hollywood elites. Prominent figures, including Meryl Streep and Robert De Niro, condemned the suspension as a violation of free speech and a capitulation to political pressure. Their public support for Kimmel, alongside that of several others in the entertainment industry, played a crucial role in ABC's decision to reinstate him.

Responses from Conservative Groups

In contrast, conservative commentators and supporters of Kirk expressed their disapproval of ABC's decision to bring Kimmel back. Andrew Kolvet, an executive producer of "The Charlie Kirk Show," argued that Kimmel's reinstatement demonstrated a failure on ABC's part and called for affiliates to boycott the show. His sentiments were echoed by various conservative voices on social media, who urged their followers to contact sponsors and pressure ABC into reconsidering the decision.

Kimmel's Return Monologue

Upon returning to the screen, Kimmel delivered an emotional monologue, stating, “I never meant to make light of murder.” He acknowledged the gravity of the situation and the risks associated with his comments. Kimmel also took the opportunity to address Trump directly, quipping that Trump’s attempts to cancel him had inadvertently increased his viewership, suggesting that the former president’s efforts had backfired.

The Role of Media in Political Discourse

Kimmel's situation highlights a larger conversation about the role of media in political discourse. As political tensions continue to rise in the US, the lines between comedy, commentary, and political correctness are increasingly blurred. Kimmel's return, celebrated by some and condemned by others, underscores the polarisation within media audiences.

Nexstar's Decision to Boycott Kimmel

Nexstar, which operates several ABC-affiliated stations, decided to preempt "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" after ABC described Kimmel's comments as “ill-timed and insensitive.” This decision reflects the network's commitment to maintaining an environment conducive to respectful dialogue amid a challenging political climate. Nexstar's move indicates a potential shift towards more conservative programming choices in response to audience preferences.

Impact on Viewership and Media Strategy

With Nexstar and Sinclair opting not to air Kimmel's return, ABC's ratings may face pressure. The decision by these station groups, which represent approximately 25% of national TV audiences, could significantly impact Kimmel's viewership. As audiences become more fragmented along political lines, networks may need to reconsider their programming strategies to cater to diverse viewer preferences while navigating the treacherous waters of political commentary.

The Broader Implications for Free Speech

The debates surrounding Kimmel's suspension and subsequent reinstatement raise critical questions about free speech in the media. Critics of Kimmel's comments argue that his remarks trivialised a serious political event, while supporters contend that comedians should have the freedom to express their views without fear of retribution. This incident illustrates the ongoing struggle between comedic expression and political sensitivity, a conflict likely to persist in today’s media landscape.

Support from the Entertainment Industry

Despite the backlash from conservative groups, many in the entertainment industry have rallied around Kimmel. Fellow talk show host Stephen Colbert hailed Kimmel's return as “wonderful news” for both the host and his staff. The support from Hollywood suggests a solidarity among entertainers who advocate for freedom of expression, particularly in the face of political challenges.

Conclusion: What Happens Next?

As Jimmy Kimmel resumes his role on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", the implications of this event will likely extend beyond the immediate controversy. The intersection of politics and media remains a contentious battleground, with audiences increasingly divided along ideological lines. Kimmel’s return serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between entertainment and political responsibility in today's society. How networks respond to audience feedback and political pressures will shape the future of late-night television and political commentary.

As we move forward, it will be interesting to observe how Kimmel’s ratings are affected by the ongoing discussions about free speech and media responsibility. The outcome of this situation may set precedents for how similar controversies are handled in the future. Will the media landscape shift further towards partisanship, or will there be a resurgence of neutral commentary? Only time will tell. #JimmyKimmel #DonaldTrump #FreeSpeech

FAQs

Why was Jimmy Kimmel suspended from his show?

Jimmy Kimmel was suspended due to controversial comments he made regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which many viewed as insensitive given the nature of the event.

What did Donald Trump say about Kimmel's return?

Donald Trump expressed his discontent with ABC reinstating Kimmel, claiming that the network misled the White House and threatening potential repercussions against ABC.

How did Hollywood respond to Kimmel's suspension?

Many Hollywood figures, including A-listers like Meryl Streep and Robert De Niro, condemned Kimmel's suspension as a violation of free speech and supported his return to television.

What is Nexstar's stance on Kimmel's return?

Nexstar, which operates several ABC-affiliated stations, decided to boycott Kimmel's return, citing concerns over the need for respectful dialogue in their programming.

What are the implications of Kimmel's return for political discourse?

Kimmel's reinstatement highlights the ongoing tensions between media and politics, raising questions about the role of comedians in political commentary and the impact of audience preferences on media strategies.