Jimmy Kimmel made an emotional return to Jimmy Kimmel Live! on September 23, 2025, after a six-day suspension by ABC following his controversial comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Less than a week after Jimmy Kimmel Live! was abruptly suspended “indefinitely” amid backlash to comments he’d made during his Sept. 15 monologue about Charlie Kirk’s murder, Kimmel returned to the air and got emotional while sharing his thoughts on the controversy, emphasizing that he never intended to insinuate that he condoned violence.
Kimmel’s full quotes:
"It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man," he said, choking back tears. "I don't think there's anything funny about it."
He also explained it was not his intention to "blame any specific group for the actions of what it was obviously a deeply disturbed individual."
"That was really the opposite of the point I was trying to make," he said. "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, it was a good chance I'd feel the same way."
However, the late-night host said he "did not agree" with ABC's decision to pull him off the air.
"I told them that, and we had many conversations," Jimmy recalled, adding that they ultimately changed their minds. "We have short attention spans, and I am a tiny part of the Disney Corporation. They welcomed me back on the air, and I thank them for that."
Kimmel also shared his gratitude for the support he received during his six-day suspension:
"I've heard from all the people over in the world over the last six days, everyone I have ever met has reached out 10 or 11 times," he continued. "I also want to thank all of you who supported our show, cared enough to do something about it, to make your voices heard, so that mine could be heard. I will never forget it."
"Maybe most of all, I want to thank the people who don't support my show and what I believe, but support my right to share those beliefs anyway."
Kimmel expressed gratitude to those who supported his right to speak freely, including critics such as Ben Shapiro, Candace Owens, and Senators Ted Cruz and Mitch McConnell.
He also criticized President Donald Trump for attempting to cancel him, arguing that such efforts only increased his viewership. Despite ABC lifting the suspension, major affiliates Nexstar and Sinclair continued to preempt his show.
The suspension sparked a national debate on freedom of speech, with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr accusing Kimmel of misleading the public and pressuring ABC to act. High-profile entertainers, broadcasters, and the ACLU defended Kimmel's right to speak freely, decrying government interference in media.
Kimmel's return to late-night television marks a significant moment in the ongoing discussion about the intersection of politics, media, and free expression.
