Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show was pulled by ABC after his comments on Charlie Kirk’s death. While he had initially sent “love” to Kirk’s family, Kimmel later said the “MAGA gang [is] desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.” The remarks led to backlash, with Trump even suggesting TV networks that criticize him should have their licenses revoked.

The suspension sparked global debate. On September 22, the ACLU released an open letter signed by over 400 Hollywood figures, calling Disney’s decision “a dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation.” Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, and Robert De Niro were among the signees.

ABC reinstated the show on September 23. In his return, Kimmel said: “Government threats to silence comedians [are] anti-American.” He clarified he never intended to make light of Kirk’s murder or blame any group, admitting his words may have seemed “ill-timed or unclear.”

Kimmel also claimed Trump “did his best to cancel me” but instead boosted viewership. He added: “Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he can’t take a joke.”

He ended by honoring Erika Kirk’s forgiveness of her husband’s killer: “That is an example we should follow.”

Trump quickly attacked Kimmel’s return, posting: “I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back.” Meanwhile, some affiliates like Sinclair and Nexstar continued to block the show unless further apologies or commitments were made.