Jimmy Kimmel Returns to Late Night, Addresses Charlie Kirk Controversy in Emotional Monologue

Jimmy Kimmel Breaks Silence on Suspension, Criticizes ABC Affiliates for ‘Un-American’ Action

Jimmy Kimmel returned to late-night television on Tuesday after a nearly weeklong suspension, delivering an emotional monologue where he addressed the controversy surrounding his comments on the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. In his statement, Kimmel, who appeared close to tears, clarified that he never intended to make light of the murder.

Related – ABC Suspends ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ After Host’s Remarks on Charlie Kirk Assassination

“I have no illusions about changing anyone’s mind, but 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,” Kimmel said. He acknowledged that his remarks last week may have “felt either ill-timed or unclear or maybe both,” but he made no direct apology for the comments. He also criticized the two station groups, Sinclair and Nexstar, that preempted his show, calling their decision “un-American.”

The incident sparked a national discussion about freedom of speech and government influence on the media. Kimmel used his monologue to praise his supporters, including fellow late-night hosts and even some political rivals like Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, whom he credited for having the courage to speak out. He also offered heartfelt praise for Kirk’s widow, Erika, who had publicly forgiven her husband’s killer. “That is an example we should follow,” he said. “If you believe in the teachings of Jesus as I do, there it was … A selfless act of grace, forgiveness from a grieving widow.”

Kimmel’s suspension by Disney-owned ABC followed a backlash against his initial comments. He admitted to being angry about the suspension but praised his bosses for bringing him back on the air, noting that their decision “unjustly… puts them at risk.” The decision by Sinclair and Nexstar resulted in the show being preempted in major cities like Washington, D.C., and Nashville, Tennessee.

You can see his return below.

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