Jimmy Kimmel’s show faces blackout despite reinstatement

Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night return has sparked fresh drama after Sinclair Broadcast Group refused to put Jimmy Kimmel Live! back on air.

The chat show was suspended last week following the 57-year-old comedian’s controversial comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death.

Reportedly, Disney-owned ABC announced Kimmel would be back on Tuesday, but Sinclair, which controls 39 ABC affiliates across the US, has vowed to keep him off screens.

Instead, they’ll air news bulletins until the American TV host apologises directly to the Kirk family and makes a “meaningful donation” to Turning Point USA, the right-wing group Kirk founded.

Furthermore, Sinclair Vice Chairman Jason Smith also blasted the star’s remarks as “deeply insensitive” and urged broadcasters to “educate and elevate respectful dialogue.”

Disney defended its decision to reinstate the comic, saying: “We felt some of the comments were ill-timed and insensitive. After thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, we decided to return the show.”

But Sinclair fired back, insisting they won’t back down until “formal discussions” guarantee “professionalism and accountability.”

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