Jimmy Kimmel has officially returned to his late-night talk show after being briefly suspended for controversial remarks connected to the tragic death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
On Tuesday, September 23, Kimmel opened his comeback episode with a heartfelt monologue. Holding back tears, he directly addressed both the criticism he faced and the political storm that followed.
“I’ve been thinking a lot about what I have to say tonight,” Kimmel began. “The truth is, I don’t think my words will change anyone’s mind. If you like me, you like me, if you don’t, you don’t. But I need people to understand it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. There’s nothing funny about that.”
Kimmel also took aim at former President Donald Trump, accusing him of celebrating job losses and attempting to silence critics. “Our leader celebrates people losing their livelihoods because he can’t take a joke,” Kimmel said, calling it “un-American” and “dangerous.”
He added, “He tried to cancel me, but instead millions more tuned in. That backfired. He may have to release the Epstein files just to distract from this now.”
ABC explained in a statement that production was paused to avoid inflaming an already tense national moment. After what they described as “thoughtful conversations” with Kimmel, the network decided to bring him back on air.
The controversy began on September 15, when Kimmel criticized how Trump supporters were framing the 22-year-old shooter involved in Kirk’s killing. Trump later lashed out on social media, blasting ABC for reinstating Kimmel and even suggesting potential legal action against the network.
Despite the backlash, Kimmel’s return episode was one of his most-watched in months, showing that attempts to silence him may have only amplified his platform.
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