Jimmy Kimmel returns, breaks silence on Charlie Kirk comments

Jimmy Kimmel has returned to Jimmy Kimmel Live! after ABC suspended his show over remarks linked to the killing of conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk.

Opening Tuesday’s episode with an emotional 18-minute monologue, Kimmel addressed the controversy head-on. Fighting back tears, he said: “It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what was obviously a deeply disturbed individual.”

The late-night host, who stayed silent during his suspension, said the backlash had been overwhelming but stressed that free speech must be defended. “This show is not important. What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this,” he told the audience.

Kimmel revealed he received support from fellow talk show hosts, including Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, Jimmy Fallon, John Oliver, and Jay Leno. Surprisingly, he also cited conservative figures like Ben Shapiro, Rand Paul, and Ted Cruz.

In admiration, Kimmel said of Cruz: “I don’t think I’ve ever said this before, but Ted Cruz is right. This affects all of us, including him.”

The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! sparked debate on censorship, politics, and the limits of comedy in America’s polarized media space.