Is Jimmy Kimmel Back? Rep. Yassamin Ansari Confirms

Disney announced Monday that "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" will return to the air less than a week after the network suspended the late-night show following comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk's death.

Arizona Representative Yassamin Ansari organized more than 115 House Democrats in response to Kimmel's suspension, introducing a resolution regarding government regulatory authority and speech.

"Jimmy Kimmel is back! Last week, I led 115+ Democrats on a resolution standing with [Jimmy Kimmel] and condemning the Trump regime's assault on free speech. Disney reversed course—and this is proof that when we fight back, organize, and mobilize, we win," she shared on social media.

Yassamin Ansari, who described herself as "the proud daughter of immigrants who fled an authoritarian regime," drew connections between the Kimmel situation and broader concerns about press freedom under the Trump administration.

"White House, Donald Trump, and his regime's attempt to silence free speech in the United States of America," she warned. "This is a big moment because millions of you also stood up in defense of free speech, and it worked. I just want everyone to be super proud of that."

Kimmel's Suspension

As Cactus Politics previously reported, ABC suspended Kimmel's show indefinitely on September 17th after comments the host made about Charlie Kirk's death. The decision came after Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr indicated potential regulatory action against the network.

Several broadcast groups, including Sinclair, which operates ABC stations in 30 markets, announced they would stop airing the show due to controversial comments from the host. 

Media Responses

More than 400 entertainment industry figures signed a letter released by the American Civil Liberties Union regarding the suspension of freedom of speech. 

Ansari introduced a House Resolution stating that “no president and no political party should weaponize the power of our federal government to punish those who disagree with them.”

The suspension sparked significant public backlash, with "BoycottABC" and "Boycott Disney" trending on social media. 

Many users posted about canceling their Disney subscriptions, and some claimed Disney lost billions of dollars over the decision, though specific financial impacts have not been verified.

Disney's Decision

Disney's announcement that the show would return came after responses from lawmakers, industry figures, and public commentary. The company had initially suspended the show following reactions from various political figures and broadcasting companies.

Reports explained in the statement that the company wanted “to avoid inflaming a tense situation.” 

The restoration occurred less than a week after the original suspension, with the show scheduled to resume on Tuesday.