Jimmy Kimmel Live! is set to return to the ABC airwaves today after the host’s monologue included a reference to the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk
Jimmy Kimmel is set to return to ABC today for the benefit of his staff, according to reports.
The veteran broadcaster is said to be furious with the network after his suspension following divisive comments about the reaction to Charlie Kirk’s assassination on Monday and Tuesday’s shows. However, ABC and Disney last night confirmed Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return today after “thoughtful conversations with Jimmy”.
But it is understood the 57-year-old host still intends to leave ABC when his contract expires next May and has only agreed to return to the airwaves to support staff working on the late-night talk show, an ABC staple since 2003. It is unclear where their futures may lie if Jimmy doesn’t pursue options with ABC following the end of his deal.
“He is coming back for everyone that works for him and out of respect for them, he wanted everyone in his crew not to miss any pay and any more work than they already have missed,” an insider said today.
READ MORE: Jimmy Kimmel Live to return to screens after suspension over Charlie Kirk commentsREAD MORE: Jimmy Kimmel staff learn if they will be paid after show is axed over Charlie Kirk comments
It is thought staff were still paid while Jimmy Kimmel Live! was off air, but some employees were snapped packing up and leaving the Hollywood studio in the wake of the row. Talks resumed with Jimmy, a father of four, and ABC was in a position to confirm the programme would return this week.
But the insider suggested Jimmy, who has been in the industry since 1989, remains angry and is likely to make that known during his live broadcast tonight. They told the Daily Mail: “We won’t know what he’s doing to say to address it, they’re going to keep that secret, but I can tell you he’s not going to roll over and just take it. The last week has made his balls bigger, not smaller. I expect him to come out swinging and I think everyone here does… We are depending on him to stand up for what’s right. If he doesn’t, there will be a mutiny.
“As much as he wanted to leave ABC and expected not to be coming back at all, he is happy that the people he works with will have some time to figure out their next steps, because what this taught Jimmy was that he might not be leaving ABC now, he will once his contract is up unless they offer him a boatload of money.”
Staff at the show reportedly don’t know whether the presenter will apologise, or decide to criticise Disney and ABC’s move if he speaks out during the programme. He had divided opinion with his Kirk comments, but he was allegedly “p*ssed” with the decision to suspend him and the show.