Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel returned to ABC after a six-day suspension over controversial comments about the killing of Charlie Kirk.
Kimmel’s previous comments on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ came nearly two weeks after Charlie Kirk was assassinated for millions to see. Kirk was fatally shot on Wednesday during a rally he was hosting at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Like everyone else, Kimmel spoke about it, saying, the “MAGA gang” was only trying to score political points off Charlie Kirk’s murder.
As a result of his comments, ABC pulled him off the air indefinitely. Nexstar Media said it would not air Jimmy Kimmel Live! “for the foreseeable future, beginning with tonight’s show.”
Last Wednesday, Nexstar added that the comedian’s remarks about Kirk “are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse.”
Now, Kimmel is back and showing true emotion for the entire situation.
Jimmy Kimmel Gets Emotional During Opening Monologue
Jimmy Kimmel got emotional as he marked his return back on TV following a suspension that was handed down over comments about the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
During his opening monologue on Tuesday’s episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, the comedian addressed what happened that led to his almost losing his job.
“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,” the 57-year-old said as he fought not to cry.
Kimmel was canceled over his false comments about Charlie Kirk. Now reinstated, he nearly cries on air with an apology.
Sincere or scripted? 🤔
— Clown World ™ 🤡 (@ClownWorld_) September 24, 2025
“I don’t think there’s anything funny about it.
“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,” he stated.
“Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what was obviously a deeply disturbed individual. That was really the opposite of the point I was trying to make.
“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.”
Despite his comeback to his show, two of ABC’s affiliate stations, Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, refused to broadcast Kimmel’s show.
Jimmy Kimmel is one of the few people who have said something negatively towards Charlie Kirk and actually got to keep their job.
