Who Is Jimmy Kimmel? Know About Controversial Suspension Of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’, His Two Marriages And Family Life

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel returned to television after facing a short but controversial suspension. The news broke on Monday, September 16, 2025, when Disney-owned ABC confirmed his show Jimmy Kimmel Live! would go back on air. The suspension came after his remarks about the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

Why Jimmy Kimmel Was Suspended

Kimmel faced backlash after he spoke about Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk. On his show, Kimmel said the MAGA supporters were “trying to make this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk look like anything but one of them.”

His words created outrage. Soon after, Disney suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely. The company called his comments “ill-timed” and “insensitive” during a tense national moment.

ABC Reinstates Jimmy Kimmel Live!

After meetings between Disney executives and Kimmel, ABC decided to bring back the show. The suspension sparked a larger debate in the country about freedom of speech, censorship, and political pressure. Many viewers supported Kimmel, while others agreed with the suspension.

Donald Trump’s Reaction

Former President Donald Trump welcomed the suspension. He posted on Truth Social that it was “great news for America.” He also attacked Kimmel’s ratings and said other late-night hosts like Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers should be removed too. Trump called them “total losers” and praised ABC for its decision.

Support For His Team

Despite the controversy, Kimmel has often supported his crew. During the 2023 Writers Guild strike, he paid his staff from his own pocket. Earlier this year, when Los Angeles faced wildfires, his show’s backlot was used as a relief center to provide food and supplies to families.

Jimmy Kimmel’s Personal Life

Kimmel has been married twice. His first marriage was with Gina Maddy in 1988, whom he met while studying at Arizona State University. They had two children together — daughter Katie (born 1991) and son Kevin (born 1993). The couple divorced in 2002.

Later, Kimmel married Molly McNearney, a writer on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. They tied the knot in 2013. Together, they have a daughter, Jane (born 2014), and a son, William John (Billy) (born 2017). Billy had open-heart surgery as a newborn, a story Kimmel shared publicly to raise awareness.

The Road Ahead

Jimmy Kimmel’s return is seen as a key moment for both ABC and late-night television. The incident shows how difficult it is to balance political satire, free speech, and public sensitivity in today’s divided America.