Jimmy Kimmel returned to late-night television on Tuesday, defending political satire and free speech after his six-day suspension by Walt Disney. The suspension followed comments he made about the murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
Speaking emotionally to his audience, Kimmel said: “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.” He added that he had not intended to blame any group for the killing, but rather highlight the danger of politicizing the tragedy.
Disney, which owns ABC, suspended Kimmel’s show on September 17, two days after his monologue accused supporters of President Donald Trump of trying to shift blame for Kirk’s murder and use the killing for political advantage.
Before Tuesday’s broadcast, Trump criticized ABC for reinstating Kimmel, calling him unfunny and accusing the network of effectively providing illegal campaign support to Democrats. On Truth Social, Trump suggested further action against ABC could follow.
The Trump administration and its allies reacted strongly to Kimmel’s earlier comments. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Brendan Carr even threatened an investigation, urging stations to drop Kimmel’s show or risk fines and license revocations.
Disney’s decision to bring Kimmel back in less than a week was seen as an act of defiance amid growing pressure from the administration. However, major ABC affiliate groups, including Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair, continued to boycott the program.
On his return, Kimmel said Trump’s attacks extended beyond comedians to journalists as well. “He’s suing them, he’s bullying them,” Kimmel warned, emphasizing the importance of a free press. He added: “It is nuts we’re not paying more attention to it.”
Kimmel also expressed being deeply moved by the forgiveness shown by Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, toward her husband’s accused killer, a 22-year-old student from Utah.
