Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel returned to television Tuesday night after nearly a weeklong suspension, telling viewers he never intended to make light of the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
“I have no illusions about changing anyone’s mind, but I do want to make something clear,” Kimmel said, appearing emotional at times. “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 acknowledged his remarks may have been poorly timed or unclear but stopped short of apologising. He instead criticised ABC’s decision to suspend him and accused Sinclair and Nexstar station groups—representing about a quarter of ABC affiliates—of illegally refusing to air his show. “That’s not legal. That’s un-American,” he said.
His suspension followed remarks from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, who accused Kimmel of misleading the public and warned ABC to “take action” or face consequences. The comments drew bipartisan backlash, with Senator Ted Cruz comparing Carr’s approach to that of a “mafioso.”
Kimmel thanked fellow comedians, colleagues, and even political rivals who defended his right to speak, including Cruz. He grew emotional when praising Kirk’s widow, Erika, for showing forgiveness. “That is an example we should follow,” he said.
The host also mocked former President Donald Trump for celebrating his suspension. “He tried his best to cancel me and instead he forced millions of people to watch this show,” Kimmel quipped to applause.
Kimmel’s suspension was widely criticised in Hollywood, with hundreds of entertainers signing a letter calling ABC’s action “a dark moment for freedom of speech.” Podcaster Joe Rogan also condemned government involvement in restricting comedians.
The controversy comes as late-night shows face declining viewership, with CBS cancelling Stephen Colbert’s Late Show earlier this year. Kimmel remains under contract with ABC until May.
He closed Tuesday’s broadcast with guests Glen Powell and Sarah McLachlan, who had boycotted another event in protest of his suspension. The host exited to chants of “Jimmy, Jimmy,” after a week that reignited debate over free speech, censorship, and political pressure in media.
