LOS ANGELES – Jimmy Kimmel asserted that his recent controversy stemming from remarks about charlie Kirk was deliberately misrepresented by his opponents, characterizing the backlash as a “malicious mischaracterization.” the dispute, which threatened the broadcast of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on numerous Nexstar and Sinclair stations, concluded with the networks resuming airing the show on September 26 without ABC offering concessions.
The conflict arose after Kimmel made comments about Kirk on his show. Sinclair, a right-leaning broadcaster, demanded a “direct apology to the Kirk family” and “a meaningful personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA,” the institution founded by Kirk, as a condition for continuing to air the program.
Kimmel stated he ”was not going to go along” with these demands, even acknowledging the potential for a meaningful loss of affiliate stations – a situation he compared to a previous threat involving the detroit market.He emphasized the scale of the current challenge, noting Nexstar and Sinclair own stations in major markets like Seattle, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. “The idea that I would not have …. 40 affiliates [stations] … I was like, ’Well, that’s it,'” Kimmel said.
Disney’s co-chair of entertainment, Dana Walden, played a crucial role in navigating the crisis, according to Kimmel, who said he “ruined Dana’s weekend” with constant phone calls. He credited her guidance with helping him “think everything through” and understand the perspectives of all parties involved.
Throughout the ordeal, Disney leaders, including Walden and CEO Bob Iger, faced criticism for allegedly yielding to pressure from President Trump, a known critic of Kimmel. Kimmel defended his bosses, stating the accusations of ”corporate capitulation” were “insane” and expressed hope that the situation established “a really bold red line as Americans about what we will and will not accept.”
Kimmel’s return to the air on September 23 featured an emotional monologue focused on the importance of the 1st Amendment, and was followed by a surge in ratings. He also dismissed reports suggesting CBS’ The Late show with stephen Colbert – which is slated to end next year – was losing $40 million annually, stating, “If [CBS] lost $40 million, they would have canceled it already.” Kimmel asserted that late-night shows remain financially viable, adding, “If we’re losing so much money, none of us would be on.”
