Jimmy Kimmel breaks silence ahead of ABC return after Charlie Kirk comments

Jimmy Kimmel has broken his social media silence ahead of his Live show returningfollowing it's "indefinite" axing. The US presenter's comments surrounding the death of Charlie Kirk had led to ABC pulling his long-running show from their schedule.

However, it has now revealed it will return tonight (Tuesday) - but there are stipulations said to be in place. Ahead of his return to the small screen, Kimmel, 57, took to Instagram to share a subtle statement.

While he appeared to ignore his suspension, he shared a message saying: "Missing this guy today." The comments came alongside an image of himself and TV producer Norman Lear, who died in December 2023.

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Lear had been a well-known advocate and staunch defender of free speech. He was best known for being the creator of All in the Family and The Jeffersons.

The social media post marks Kimmel's first interaction on the platform since the fallout of ABC's decision. While he limited responses to the post, Kimmel received the backing of a number of celebrities.

Jack Black was among those liking the post, while Rosie O'Donnell said: "Kill it tonight - feel all the love," alongside a red love heart emoji.

Her comment comes after it was announced that ABC has had "thoughtful conversations" with Kimmel about the return of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which has presented since 2003, following the suspension.

It's thought Kimmel still intends to leave ABC when his contract expires in May 2026. It's said he has only agreed to return to the airwaves to support staff working on the late-night talk show. It remains unclear where their futures may lie if the presenter leaves the network 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 told the Daily Mail.

The source also claimed it remains uncertain how Kimmel will respond to the news when he's back on stage. "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."

However, while the show and Kimmel are set to return, a major ABC affiliate has refused to air Jimmy Kimmel Live! despite its return on Disney and other channels. Sinclair Inc, whose local stations pay to run ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live!, is standing by its policy from last week to keep the show off air indefinitely.

A statement said: "Beginning Tuesday night, Sinclair will be preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! across our ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming. Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the show's potential return."

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