Online Viewership Surges as Major Networks Refuse to Air Show
Direct Criticism of Trump and FCC: "Freedom of Expression Matters"
The American late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" has returned after a broadcast suspension, drawing an explosive response online.
Jimmy Kimmel hosting the late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" in Los Angeles, USA. Photo by AP Yonhap News
The comeback video uploaded to the YouTube channel on the 24th (local time) garnered 14.5 million views in just about 15 hours. On the Instagram channel, it was viewed more than 5.98 million times. Although TV ratings have not yet been tallied, it is believed that viewers flocked online as some local stations suspended the broadcast.
Previously, host Jimmy Kimmel mentioned the murder of conservative youth activist Charlie Kirk, stating, "The MAGA faction is trying to define the perpetrator as someone unrelated to them." As the controversy grew, ABC announced a broadcast suspension, but reversed the decision after four days and resumed airing on the 22nd. However, some major networks such as Nexstar and Sinclair continued to refuse to air the show, so terrestrial broadcasts did not resume in major cities like Seattle and Nashville.
Protesters demonstrating in front of the El Capitan Entertainment Center in Los Angeles, where Jimmy Kimmel Live is recorded. Photo by AP Yonhap News
At the center of the controversy was Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Brendan Carr. He raised concerns about Kimmel's remarks and even mentioned the possibility of revoking the show's broadcast license, drawing criticism for threatening "freedom of expression." Even Republican Senator Ted Cruz publicly criticized Commissioner Carr, saying, "This is like a mafia boss's threat."
On his return to the stage, Kimmel said, "Freedom of expression is the most important value of all," adding, "I never thought I would say this, but Ted Cruz is right," which drew laughter from the audience. He also criticized former President Trump for welcoming the broadcast suspension, saying, "A leader who cannot even take a joke threatens the livelihood of the people." Kimmel urged, "If this ever happens again, or even shows signs of happening, please protest ten times louder than you did this week."
When "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" was suspended, artists including Hollywood actors and directors issued a joint statement condemning it as an "unconstitutional attack on freedom of expression," and protesters gathered in front of the broadcasting station in Los Angeles to hold a rally.
On this day, Kimmel tearfully clarified that his controversial remarks regarding Charlie Kirk were not intended to make light of the murder. He said, "My intention was never to trivialize the killing of a young man," adding, "I don't think there's anything funny about that." He went on to mention Kirk's wife, who forgave the assassin at the memorial service, emphasizing, "Selfless compassion and forgiveness are the examples we should follow."
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