In a climate where Donald Trump’s critics can feel the heat of relentless pushback, even late-night comics are not immune from becoming headline targets. When Jimmy Kimmel Live! was abruptly taken off the air on September 17, 2025, amid a storm of backlash over his monologue, it looked like his run might be halted. But the show was back on September 23 after a wave of public support and industry pushback.

Now, having reclaimed his platform, Kimmel has opened up about that tumultuous experience in a way he never has before. 

Channel 4’s Christmas spotlight got a surprise guest - Jimmy Kimmel, serving truth with a side of holiday cheer. Across the Atlantic, he roasted the chaos that tried to take him off the air. Invited to deliver Channel 4’s Alternative Christmas Message, Kimmel spoke with biting candor reflected on his suspension and the broader political climate in the United States. 

"Tyranny is booming over here. You may have read in your colorful newspapers that my country’s President would like to shut me up because I don’t adore him in the way he likes to be adored," Kimmel stated.

The context behind that suspension traces back to September 2025. ABC had temporarily pulled Kimmel’s show after a controversial monologue about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination. It drew fierce criticism from President Trump’s supporters and regulatory pressure from the Federal Communications Commission. ABC and its parent Walt Disney had to pause the program before reversing course amid backlash from audiences, peers, and free-speech advocates.

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When Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned later that month, Kimmel used his comeback episode to defend free speech and criticize his critics. But what led to the ban? 

Jimmy Kimmel used an opening monologue to comment on the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. During the episode, Kimmel criticized what he described as efforts by “the MAGA gang” to "score political points from it.” That led to intense backlash from conservative figures and media owners. Kimmel’s remarks were interpreted by critics as insensitive, despite his intent to condemn the politicization of the tragedy. 

The head of the Federal Communications Commission under President Trump publicly lambasted the comments and warned ABC and its affiliates that they could face regulatory consequences if action was not taken. Under mounting pressure, ABC and several major affiliate groups pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air on September 17, 2025, and announced an indefinite suspension of the show.

Prominent Hollywood figures, including Ben Stiller, Wanda Sykes, and Jean Smart condemned the suspension as an attack on expression. While high profile names from Robert De Niro to Meryl Streep signed a letter organized by the ACLU defending Kimmel’s right to comment freely. Late-night peers such as Stephen Colbert, who himself had faced similar pressure, and John Oliver also voiced support. 

Jimmy Kimmel's monologue can be seen as a direct attack on Donald Trump and his supporters. However, it highlights a wider fight over free speech in late-night television.

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Did Jimmy Kimmel’s comeback send the right message about free speech? Share your thoughts below.