"Don't Find Anything Funny About Kirk Murder": Kimmel In Tears As Show Returns

Jimmy Kimmel returned to late-night television Tuesday after experiencing a nearly weeklong suspension and became emotional, clarifying that he never intended to joke about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

"I have no illusions about changing anyone's mind, but 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," Kimmel said with his voice breaking. "I don't think there's anything funny about it."

The host further explained, "Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what was obviously a deeply disturbed individual. That was really the opposite of the point I was trying to make." He acknowledged that his previous remarks last week to some "felt either ill-timed or unclear or maybe both."

Kimmel openly criticized ABC affiliates that removed his show from the air, stating, "That's not legal. That's not American. It's unAmerican." He expressed gratitude to those who supported him, including unexpected allies like Texas Senator Ted Cruz, noting, "It takes courage for them to speak out against this administration. They did and they deserve credit for it."

ABC had suspended Kimmel's show last Wednesday following controversy over his comments regarding Charlie Kirk's assassination but announced Monday that "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" would return after having "thoughtful conversations" with the host.

Kimmel's broadcast reach was diminished as two companies owning ABC affiliates - Sinclair and Nexstar, which collectively control approximately a quarter of ABC stations - refused to air his show, affecting viewers in cities like St. Louis, Nashville, and Richmond.

Stephen Colbert joked about the situation on his CBS show, quipping, "Our long national late nightmare is over," referencing Kimmel's return to television.

Before his return, Kimmel broke his public silence by posting on Instagram a picture of himself with late television producer and free speech advocate Norman Lear with the caption, "Missing this guy today."

The suspension followed comments in Kimmel's monologue where he suggested some Trump supporters were attempting to capitalize on Kirk's death and were "desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them."

Trump-appointed FCC Chairman Brendan Carr had claimed Kimmel was trying to "directly mislead the American public" regarding Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old charged with Kirk's murder, and his motives - which authorities say remain unclear, noting Robinson grew up conservative but reportedly shifted left politically in the past year.

Carr's threatening statement, "We can do this the easy way or the hard way... or there is going to be additional work for the FCC ahead," sparked significant backlash, with Republican Senator Ted Cruz comparing Carr to "a mafioso." Hundreds of entertainment figures including Tom Hanks, Barbra Streisand, and Jennifer Aniston signed an ACLU letter calling ABC's suspension "a dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation."

Podcaster Joe Rogan defended Kimmel, stating, "I definitely don't think that the government should be involved - ever - in dictating what a comedian can or can't say in a monologue. You are crazy for supporting this because this will be used on you."

Some consumers protested by canceling subscriptions to Disney's streaming services in response to the situation.

Trump celebrated Kimmel's suspension and criticized his reinstatement on Truth Social, writing: "I can't believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back... Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, who's not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE."

The Trump administration has employed various tactics including threats, lawsuits, and federal pressure to exert greater control over media. Trump has sued multiple news organizations and successfully advocated for cuts to NPR and PBS funding.

Singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan, who had canceled a planned performance at a Hulu documentary premiere in protest over Kimmel's suspension, will appear as a musical guest on his show. Actor Glen Powell, who was previously scheduled before the suspension, will also be a guest, with both promoting Hulu releases.

Disney and ABC executives reportedly negotiated for several days before announcing Kimmel's return. The network's statement acknowledged that some of Kimmel's comments were "ill-timed and thus insensitive" but did not label them misleading.

Andrew Kolvet, spokesperson for Turning Point USA, the organization founded by Kirk and now led by his widow, commented on X that "Disney and ABC caving and allowing Kimmel back on the air is not surprising, but it's their mistake to make."

This controversy occurs during a shifting late-night television landscape, with shows losing traditional viewership as audiences increasingly watch highlights online the following day. CBS recently announced Colbert's show cancellation, while Kimmel's ABC contract reportedly extends through May.

Colbert jokingly referenced the situation in his Monday monologue, brandishing his recent Emmy Award for outstanding talk series and declaring, "Once more, I am the only martyr on late night!"