As Jimmy Kimmel returned to late night Tuesday following ABC’s suspension of his show, the host addressed his comments about the killing of Charlie Kirk that led to his program to getting pulled off the air in the first place.
During his opening monologue on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Sept. 24, Kimmel took a moment during a rather upbeat speech to clarify his previous statements on Kirk’s death.
“I do want to make something clear because it’s important to me as a human. And that is, you understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. I don’t think there’s anything funny about it,” Kimmel said before choking back tears.
“I posted a message on Instagram of the day he was killed sending love to his family and asking for compassion. And I meant it, and I still do. Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what it was obviously a deeply disturbed individual. That was really the opposite of the point I was trying to make,” the host continued. “But I understand that to some that felt either ill-timed or unclear or maybe both. And for those who think I did point a finger. I get why you’re upset. If the situation was reversed, there’s a good chance I’d have felt the same way. I have many friends and family members on the other side who I love and remain close to, even though we don’t agree on politics at all.”
Kimmel added, “I don’t think the murderer who shot Charlie Kirk represents anyone. This was a sick person who believed violence was a solution. And it isn’t ever.”
He later recognized the strength of Kirk’s wife, Erika, who openly forgave the man who shot and killed her husband.
“That is an example we should follow,“ Kimmel said. “If you believe in the teachings of Jesus, as I do. There it was. That’s it. A selfless act of grace, forgiveness from a grieving widow. It touched me deeply, and I hope it touches many. And if there’s anything we should take from this tragedy to carry forward, I hope it can be that.”
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It was revealed Monday that Kimmel would be returning after ABC announced last Wednesday that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” was suspended indefinitely because of comments the host previously made about Kirk‘s death.
Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was shot and killed while at a debate at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, Sept. 10.
Kimmel criticized Republican reactions to the political identity of Tyler Robinson, who has since been charged with killing Kirk. In his opening monologue on Sept. 15, Kimmel said that “we hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”
He then cued up footage of a reporter asking Trump how he was holding up while mourning Kirk’s death.
“I think very good,” Trump said, quickly pivoting to talk about the construction of a ballroom at the White House.
“It’s gonna be a beauty,” the president said in the clip.
Trump later commented on Kimmel’s suspension on his social media platform Truth.
“Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED,” Trump wrote. “Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that’s possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!! President DJT”
Kimmel’s suspension sent shockwaves across social media as various celebrities, many of whom are close to Kimmel, condemned the silencing of the host with some issuing calls to organize against the network’s actions.
“So I’m in a full face of makeup because I was supposed to go over and have a chat with my friend Jimmy Kimmel on his show, but as you have heard by now, the Jimmy Kimmel show has been pulled indefinitely, abruptly, because of the complaints from the Trump administration,” Wanda Sykes, who was booked as a guest on Kimmel’s show before the ABC decision was announced, said in an Instagram video. “So let’s see. (President Donald Trump) didn’t end the Ukraine War or solve Gaza within his first week. But he did end freedom of speech within his first year. Hey, for those of you who pray, now’s the time to do it. Love you, Jimmy.”
“Night of the Museum” star Ben Stiller reshared an X post sharing the news with the caption, “This isn’t right,” while “Community” actress Alison Brie wrote, “This is unreal. And very scary,” on her Instagram story. The Screen Actors Guild also condemned Kimmel’s suspension.
“Our society depends on freedom of expression,” the labor union said in a statement posted to Instagram. “Suppression of free speech and retaliation for speaking out on significant issues of public concern run counter to the fundamental rights we all rely on.”
SAG also called the suspension of Kimmel and the show “the type of suppression and retaliation that endangers everyone’s freedoms.”
Disney and ABC executives reportedly negotiated Kimmel’s return for several days before announcing the resolution, the Associated Press reported.
Tuesday night’s guests of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” were actor Glen Powell with musical guest Sarah McLachlan. The singer previously canceled her performance at her Lilith Fair documentary premiere in solidarity in support of free speech.
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