MOVIE NEWS – Jimmy Kimmel’s future as a late-night host at ABC is in doubt after the Sinclair Broadcast Group, the network’s largest affiliate partner, announced that his reinstatement depends on issuing a direct apology to Charlie Kirk’s family and making a personal donation. While many celebrities and fellow late-night hosts have rallied behind Kimmel, the decision ultimately lies with him: comply with Sinclair’s demands or walk away from his longtime role.

Anthony Lund, senior news reporter and editor at MovieWeb, hails from a small village in the U.K. and has been passionate about TV and film for decades. A child of the ’80s, he owns nearly 2,000 books, countless toys, three Warner Bros. Store Gremlins, and even a production-used Howard the Duck script. Lund is a walking encyclopedia of movie trivia and quotes, famously claiming that Aliens surpasses The Empire Strikes Back and Terminator 2 as the greatest sequel of all time. His penchant for dark comedy also inspired his first novel, *Grim Reaping*.

Kimmel’s position was thrown into question after Jimmy Kimmel Live! was pulled from the air last week. Although Sinclair backed off from airing a Charlie Kirk tribute during Kimmel’s usual Friday slot—instead posting a YouTube link—they made it clear that Kimmel must apologize and donate to the Kirk family and Turning Point USA before they will allow the show back on air. Their statement read: “Sinclair also calls upon Mr. Kimmel to issue a direct apology to the Kirk family. Furthermore, we ask Mr. Kimmel to make a meaningful personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA. Regardless of ABC’s plans for the future of the program, Sinclair intends not to return Jimmy Kimmel Live! to our air until we are confident that appropriate steps have been taken to uphold the standards expected of a national broadcast platform.”

Sinclair Vice Chairman Jason Smith added: “Mr. Kimmel’s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country. We believe broadcasters have a responsibility to educate and elevate respectful, constructive dialogue in our communities. This incident highlights the critical need for the FCC to take immediate regulatory action to address control held over local broadcasters by the big national networks.”

When Will Jimmy Kimmel Live Be Back?

Reports indicate that Kimmel will meet with ABC and Disney executives to discuss his future. While the path back seems as simple as apologizing for his scripted remarks, it’s unclear whether he will go through with it. Some insiders suggest Kimmel may prefer to end his ABC contract early and move on. Given the outpouring of industry support, it’s unlikely he would struggle to land a new platform.

The debate over whether Kimmel’s comments warranted such a severe response has raged for a week. His remarks, directed at shooting suspect Tyler Robinson rather than Charlie Kirk himself, were far less inflammatory than others voiced in the aftermath. Many see his suspension as a direct attack on free speech in America, raising the question: should Kimmel—or anyone in his position—be forced to apologize?

Source: MovieWeb