Discussion underway of Jimmy Kimmel returning his cancelled show, as per negotiations with Disney and ABC.
In a dramatic turn of events, the late-night talk show 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' has been pulled indefinitely from ABC News, owned by Disney, following Jimmy Kimmel's comments about the tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
Kimmel's remarks sparked a flurry of reactions across the entertainment industry, with many expressing concerns around political censorship and free speech. Tatiana Maslany, star of Marvel's She-Hulk: Attorney At Law, and fellow late-night hosts Stephen Colbert and David Letterman have voiced their concerns, urging for a compromise that would allow for the return of the show.
The fallout from Kimmel's comments saw the show taken off-air, causing concern for the production staff working on the show and the potential impact of a shutdown. Comedian and podcaster Marc Maron, in a critical Instagram post, labelled the suspension as 'government website censorship.' His post has gained attention online, further fuelling the debate.
President Donald Trump has celebrated the cancellation of Kimmel's show, adding to the heated discussions. Maslany, in response, shared an Instagram story urging followers to cancel their Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN subscriptions. Her story has since circulated on social media.
Despite the controversy, talks between Kimmel's representatives and Disney/ABC executives are ongoing. Kimmel himself has initiated negotiations to potentially revive his canceled late-night show. However, there is no guarantee that he will return to the show or accept ABC's terms.
The suspension of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' has ignited a broader conversation about free speech in the entertainment industry. As the discussions continue, it remains to be seen whether a compromise can be reached that satisfies all parties involved.