Jimmy Kimmel is back on Jimmy Kimmel Live! after ABC suspended the show over his comments about the killing of conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk.
On Tuesday night, Kimmel opened with an emotional 18-minute monologue where he addressed the controversy directly. Holding 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 comedian, who stayed silent during his suspension, admitted the backlash was tough but insisted free speech must be protected. “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 viewers.
Kimmel said he was overwhelmed by support from other late-night hosts such as Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, Jimmy Fallon, John Oliver, and Jay Leno. He also noted that some conservatives, including Ben Shapiro, Rand Paul, and Ted Cruz, spoke up for his right to speak freely.
In a surprising remark, he added: “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! has fueled debate about censorship, politics, and the boundaries of comedy in the U.S.
