The Walt Disney Company (DIS) has decided to bring back the controversial “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” show on air, starting tonight. The late-night show will resume in its usual time slot on ABC. Disney’s decision comes as a surprise, since the network had suspended the show “indefinitely” just last week, following backlash over Kimmel’s remarks concerning the assassination of Republican activist Charlie Kirk.
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In a statement on Monday, Disney said, “We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday.” Kimmel is expected to directly address the controversy during tonight’s broadcast.
What’s Happening at Disney?
The show was pulled off the air a few days after Kimmel suggested that the accused killer of Charlie Kirk had ties to President Donald Trump’s MAGA movement. His comments sparked a wave of backlash aimed not only at Kimmel but also at Disney.
Disney initially suspended production to “avoid further escalation at an emotional moment for our country.” The company acknowledged that some of the comments were “ill-timed and thus insensitive.” Now, only days later, the company is reversing course and allowing the show to move forward.
Meanwhile, not all broadcasters are on board. Sinclair (SBGI), which owns several ABC affiliates, announced, “Sinclair will be preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! across our ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming.” Sinclair is in discussions with Disney and is yet to decide the future course.
Actors Defend Free Speech
As Disney wrestled with the decision, more than 400 Hollywood celebrities stepped in to defend Kimmel. On Monday, the American Civil Liberties Union released an open letter signed by stars such as Jennifer Aniston, Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Ben Stiller, and Selena Gomez.
The letter called Disney’s initial suspension of the show a “dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation.” The letter also warned that government threats against free speech and efforts to pressure artists, journalists, or companies undermine the very foundation of a free country.
It remains to be seen how Kimmel handles this situation, explains himself, and wins back the large fan following he once had.
Is DIS Stock a Buy, Hold, or Sell?
On TipRanks, DIS stock has a Strong Buy consensus rating based on 19 Buys and three Hold ratings. The average Disney price target of $137 implies 21.7% upside potential from current levels. Year-to-date, DIS stock has gained 1.5%.
