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"Jimmy Kimmel Live!" host Jimmy Kimmel's recent topical commentary on conservative pundit Charlie Kirk sparked outrage among many conservatives, who deemed his remarks as spreading misinformation and being overly flippant. This led parent company Disney, facing immense pressure from various sides, to temporarily pull the show off the air. However, following several days of closed-door meetings with Kimmel, Disney announced that the program would resume airing this Tuesday.
While Disney has agreed to reinstate the show, not all networks are following suit. The conservative Sinclair Broadcast Group, for instance, continues to refuse to air Kimmel's program. This decision stems from their prior demand for Kimmel to issue a public apology and make a "meaningful personal donation" to Turning Point USA, the non-profit organization co-founded by Kirk—demands Kimmel did not fulfill. Foreign media outlet Deadline also reported that Kimmel made few concessions and intends to continue speaking his mind on the show.
(Image Source: ACLU)
Before Disney's announcement of the show's return, Kimmel garnered significant support from Hollywood, with over 400 stars and directors signing a petition in his favor. Notable signatories included Tom Hanks, Michael Keaton, Joaquin Phoenix, Jennifer Aniston, Meryl Streep, Natalie Portman, Florence Pugh, Ben Affleck, Paul Feig (director of "Bridesmaids"), and Judd Apatow (director of "The 40-Year-Old Virgin"), among many other major names.