Jimmy Kimmel returned to late-night television on Tuesday after his suspension for comments about a suspect in the Charlie Kirk assassination. He didn’t waste any time addressing the controversy, using humor to dive into the situation. He quickly joked about the Disney and Hulu subscribers who canceled their memberships in protest.
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A Lighthearted Jab at Disney Cancellations
Kimmel opened the show with a joke: “A lot of people have been asking me if there are conditions for my return, and there is one.” He then added, “Disney has asked me to read the following statement, and I’ve agreed. To reactivate your Disney and Hulu account, simply open the Disney app on your smart TV or TV-connected device.”
The line humorously referenced the public backlash and the mass cancellations from fans who canceled their subscriptions to Disney’s services. Many fans supported Kimmel by unsubscribing after his suspension over his remarks about the Charlie Kirk suspect.
A Serious Reflection on His Career and Gratitude to Disney
After the joke, Kimmel got serious. He reflected on his 23 years hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live! and how fortunate he has been to have a platform that lets him speak freely. “I’ve been fortunate to do what I want on the air, even when it’s made the company uncomfortable,” Kimmel said. He thanked Disney for defending his right to make jokes about leaders and discuss important issues. “They’ve let me do it, and I’m very grateful for that.”
Kimmel then shared his frustration when Disney removed him from the air last week. He mentioned that the suspension led to productive conversations between him and the company, which eventually brought him back to the show. “This is a giant company, and I’m just a tiny part of it,” Kimmel said. “But they welcomed me back on the air, and I thank them for that because I know it puts them at risk.”
Trump’s Response and Kimmel’s Call to Action
Trump responded quickly after Kimmel finished taping the show. He posted a tweet attacking the comedian and threatening legal action against Disney. Kimmel reacted strongly, criticizing Trump’s response. “Our leader celebrates Americans losing their jobs because he can’t take a joke,” Kimmel said. He also pointed out the negative impact Trump’s behavior could have on others working in the entertainment industry.
Kimmel didn’t back down from Trump’s threats. He encouraged his audience to speak out in support of people who face similar attacks from the former president. “We have to speak out against this because he’s not stopping,” Kimmel warned. He stressed the importance of standing up for free speech and remaining vocal, no matter the risks.
A Moment of Gratitude and Moving Forward
In closing, Kimmel expressed gratitude for his long career in late-night television. He recognized the challenges but showed appreciation for the opportunities he’s had. His return represents a victory for free expression. Despite the ongoing controversy, Kimmel remains committed to using his platform to speak truth to power and continue making people laugh.
