Jimmy Kimmel Live set to return after suspension over controversial monologue

Jimmy Kimmel Live! is returning to air after being abruptly pulled last week by ABC.

(CNN)- Jimmy Kimmel Live! is returning to air after being abruptly pulled last week by ABC.

The network suspended the late-night show following criticism and threats from the Federal Communications Commission over Kimmel’s monologue, in which he suggested the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk was affiliated with the “MAGA” movement.

In that broadcast, Kimmel said, “We hit a new low over the weekend, the MAGA Gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.”

President Donald Trump responded sharply, saying, “First of all, he said a terrible thing about Charlie, but he also suffers from the fact that he’s got no talent and he’s got no ratings.”

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, along with affiliate station groups, pressured ABC after the remarks. Actor Bradley Whitford pointed out Carr’s past defense of free speech, saying censorship is “the authoritarian’s dream.”

Kimmel’s suspension triggered national backlash. Protesters rallied in cities from New York to Los Angeles, while some Disney+ subscribers canceled memberships in protest against ABC’s parent company. Actress and U.S. Air Force veteran Shannon Corbeil said, “It is our enduring duty as Americans to uphold our right to free speech, not just for Jimmy Kimmel and the hundreds of people who work for him but for the preservation of our constitution.”

On Monday, a Disney spokesperson said the decision to suspend the show was intended to “cool tension” surrounding Kimmel’s comments. The program is now set to return to its regular schedule.