Jimmy Kimmel Returns to TV, Jabs Trump, and Clarifies Comments on Charlie Kirk

The talk show hosted by comedian Jimmy Kimmel returned to US television on Tuesday (23) after a week-long suspension caused by criticism of the host’s comments about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and subsequent government threats to broadcasters, which critics claim hindered freedom of expression. During the program’s opening monologue, where Kimmel was expected to address the controversy, the host mentioned Charlie Kirk’s murder and explained that he was not joking about the tragedy. ‘You understand that it was never my intention to mock the murder of a young man. I don’t think there’s anything funny about it,’ the host said. ‘I understand that for some, it seemed inappropriate or unclear, or maybe both, and for those who feel like I pointed fingers, I understand why they’re upset.’ Kimmel stated he disagrees with Disney’s decision to cancel his show, but thanked the company for defending his right to mock the powerful and allowing him to return to the air that night. ‘Unfortunately, and I think unfairly, this puts them at risk,’ he added. ‘The President of the United States has made it clear that he wants me and the hundreds of people who work here to be fired. Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he can’t take a joke,’ the host said during the opening monologue.