Jimmy Kimmel’s return to late-night TV has allegedly sparked main backstage drama at ABC, with producers and writers reportedly panicking simply hours earlier than filming. The comic is about to return to “Jimmy Kimmel Stay!” after a week-long suspension over his controversial feedback about Charlie Kirk’s assassination, however insiders say nobody is aware of what he’ll say in his comeback monologue, inflicting “chaos,” and a few staffers are threatening to stroll out if he apologizes.

In line with the Every day Mail, the “chaos” erupted backstage on Tuesday as workers expressed frustration over being ignored of the decision-making course of. Government producers have reportedly clamped down, ordering group members to not talk about Kimmel’s monologue, which is predicted to attract tens of millions of viewers. The secrecy has solely heightened tensions, with one insider warning that an apology could possibly be considered as a betrayal.

“Nobody is aware of what Jimmy goes to say,” the supply instructed the outlet. “However there are rumblings that if he apologizes, there will likely be a walkout. If he grovels or falls on his sword, that’s truly a betrayal to all of us. We have been all in settlement in regards to the issues he mentioned. If he walks them again, it will invalidate every little thing.”

Kimmel’s controversial remarks, wherein he accused “the MAGA gang” of spinning the suspect’s political ties, drew sharp criticism and triggered a warning from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. Inside hours, greater than a dozen ABC associates mentioned they’d not air the present till the feedback have been addressed, elevating fears that his return may flop with viewers.

Disney defended its determination to droop this system, saying in a press release, “Final Wednesday, we made the choice to droop manufacturing on the present to keep away from additional inflaming a tense scenario at an emotional second for our nation.” Nevertheless, Disney solely confirmed Kimmel’s comeback late Monday, leaving his crew blindsided and unsure.

Kimmel’s reinstatement additionally comes in opposition to the backdrop of mounting boycott threats geared toward Disney’s different core companies, its streaming platforms and theme parks. Whereas Disney by no means introduced a rumored $4 billion loss, a 1.9% dip within the firm’s inventory worth did occur, which Reuters estimated shaved roughly $3.87 billion off its market worth in the course of the week Kimmel’s present was suspended.

Specialists be aware that inventory fluctuations could be influenced by a variety of things, together with promoting income, subscriber churn, general market circumstances, and political stress. Whereas the timing of Disney’s slide overlapped with the suspension controversy, analysts stress that the corporate has not attributed the drop on to that incident, nor has it reported any official monetary loss tied to it.

Kimmel’s return was introduced after days of mounting criticism from those that noticed his suspension as an assault on free expression. Earlier this week, the American Civil Liberties Union revealed an open letter signed by greater than 400 celebrities, calling on Disney and ABC to revive the late-night host. The letter warned that pulling him off the air below political stress set a troubling precedent and risked silencing satire in America.

Information of his comeback sparked rapid response on-line. Supporters applauded the choice, whereas critics argued ABC had caved. Comic Ellen DeGenereswas among the many first to chime in, writing on Instagram, “Can not wait to listen to @JimmyKimmel’s monologue tomorrow.” Actress Alyssa Milano wrote, “Protest issues. Use your voice.”

Former discuss present host Rosie O’Donnellwrote, “the solar will come out – tomorrow #jimmykimmellive” in an Instagram caption whereas Don Winslow claimed that Kimmel’s return was the results of Disney’s monetary loss.