“Jimmy Kimmel Live” returned to ABC’s late-night television on Sept. 23, after being suspended for six days over controversial remarks that the host made on air about the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
The late-night show was suspended after Kimmel said in his monologue that “many in MAGA land are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk” and that “the MAGA gang” was “desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.” MAGA stands for President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” policy agenda.
“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,” he told the audience. “I don’t think there’s anything funny about it.”
Kimmel called Trump’s efforts to get his show taken off the air “un-American” and called his audience to remember times when Trump has defended free speech.
“He tried his best to cancel me, instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly,” Kimmel said, using a term often associated with Trump.
“I don’t think what I’m going to say is going to make much of a difference. If you like me, you like me. If you don’t, you don’t. I have no illusions about changing anyone’s mind.”
“I meant it, and I still do,” Kimmel said about the supportive sentiments he had posted.
“Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what was obviously a deeply disturbed individual,” he said.
“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.”
Just before the start of Kimmel’s show, Trump took to Truth Social to condemn the show’s reappearance, saying, “I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled!”
Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed while speaking to a crowd of students at Utah Valley University. Authorities later arrested Tyler Robinson as the suspected gunman. Prosecutors said Robinson had left-wing political views and was pro-transgender. The suspect allegedly told relatives that he targeted Kirk because of his views.
Turning Point USA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet said Kimmel’s comments were not sufficient, saying the TV host made false claims that should be corrected.
“Erika Kirk forgave the man who shot her husband. She forgave him. That is an example we should follow,” Kimmel said. “If you believe in the teachings of Jesus, as I do, there it was. That’s it. A selfless act of grace, forgiveness from a grieving widow.”
“We stand by that decision pending assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve,” Nexstar stated on Sept. 23.
Sinclair said, “Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the show’s potential return.” Nexstar operates 32 ABC stations across the United States, and Sinclair owns 30 ABC affiliate stations.
Hours before the show started, President Donald Trump criticized ABC for reinstating Kimmel, saying he couldn’t believe that ABC had returned the show to the air. Trump hinted at possible action against the network.
“He is yet another arm of the [Democratic National Committee] and, to the best of my knowledge, that would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution. I think we’re going to test ABC out on this.”
