Comedian and television host Jimmy Kimmel has spoken out about the controversy surrounding the temporary suspension of his late-night show, expressing hope that the public outrage that followed has helped establish a clear boundary for free speech in America.
Speaking at the Bloomberg Screentime conference in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Kimmel reflected on the fallout from last month’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which was briefly taken off the air after comments he made about the murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. The decision to suspend the show, reportedly under pressure from the Trump administration, led to widespread criticism and debate about media freedom.
“I hope that we drew a really, really bold red line as Americans about what we will and will not accept,” Kimmel said. “I really hope that’s what comes out of all this.”
The Disney-owned network ABC, which airs the program, reinstated the show after a week-long hiatus. The controversy came amid reports that Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr had appeared to threaten broadcasting licenses for stations that continued to air Kimmel’s program, intensifying concerns about political influence over the media.
Kimmel defended his remarks, saying they had been “intentionally and maliciously mischaracterized” by political figures seeking to stoke outrage. Despite the tensions, the host said he would still be open to interviewing former President Donald Trump, who has long criticized late-night comedians for mocking him. “I’d love to have Trump on the show,” Kimmel said, adding with characteristic wit that he was less interested in inviting Carr.
The comedian also revealed that the corporate boycotts by station owners had initially left him fearing the end of his career. “When I heard that 40 affiliates might drop the show, I told my wife, ‘That’s it. It’s over,’” he recalled.
However, Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned to record-breaking viewership numbers, with ratings surging despite a blackout that left roughly a quarter of the country unable to watch during the suspension.
The episode has since sparked a wider conversation about artistic freedom, political influence, and the limits of government pressure on entertainment platforms — a discussion Kimmel hopes will reaffirm the importance of satire and open expression in American culture.
