Jimmy Kimmel has made an emotional return to ABC, addressing his recent suspension and the controversy surrounding his comments on the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The comedian, who was suspended for four days, choked up as he told his audience that it was never his intention “to make light of the murder of a young man” but also used his monologue to criticize the Trump administration for threatening comedians and the press.
Kimmel’s suspension came after he made comments linking Kirk’s alleged killer to the “MAGA gang” and criticized President Trump’s response to the murder. The remarks led to a swift backlash from conservative figures and media outlets, including major ABC affiliate owners like Nexstar and Sinclair, which announced they would pull the show from their stations. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair, Brendan Carr, also weighed in, warning of potential regulatory consequences for the network.
The controversy prompted a significant public debate over free speech, media accountability, and the power of affiliate stations. While ABC initially suspended the show indefinitely, it announced its reinstatement after what it called “thoughtful conversations” with Kimmel. The decision came amid a counter-campaign by supporters of the comedian, who called for a boycott of Disney+, ABC’s parent company’s streaming service, to protest the suspension. Many in Hollywood also came out in support of Kimmel, with hundreds of stars signing open letters urging Americans to protect their constitutional rights.
In his return, Kimmel addressed the dual nature of his situation, expressing regret for the pain his words may have caused while also standing firm on the need for satire and free expression. The comedian has been a frequent critic of President Trump and his administration, and the suspension has cast a new light on the increasing political pressure faced by late-night hosts and media outlets. This is not the first time Trump has targeted a comedian; his administration has previously pursued lawsuits and threatened media companies over their coverage.
