NEW YORK (PulseWire) — Jimmy Kimmel offered no apologies in his return to late-night television and, in an emotional monologue where he appeared close to tears, said he was not trying to joke about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. He also paid tribute to Kirk’s widow.
Almost 8 million people had watched Kimmel’s first show back from a nearly one-week suspension by midmorning Wednesday, which significantly increased from his usual nightly viewership of about 1.8 million. Ratings were to be confirmed later in the day.
In his first comments following the suspension, Kimmel did not shy away from humor, joking about his frequent target, President Donald Trump, and credited him for producing what could be a ratings bonanza. “He tried,” Kimmel said, “He did his best to cancel me. Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly. He might have to release the Epstein files to distract us from this now.”
Kimmel clarified, “It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. I don’t think there’s anything funny about it.” He commended Kirk’s widow, Erika, stating that her public forgiveness of her husband’s killer was a “selfless act of grace.”
“That is an example we should follow,” he added. “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.”
Andrew Kolvet, spokesperson for Turning Point USA, which Kirk founded now led by his widow, indicated that Kimmel’s monologue did not suffice and called for an apology. In contrast, comic Ben Stiller praised it as a “brilliant monologue.”
The incident has ignited discussions about freedom of speech and the president’s influence over media narratives, particularly with Trump criticizing ABC on social media for allowing Kimmel's return, even threatening legal action.
Kimmel’s return was met with standing ovations and chants of “Jimmy, Jimmy.” Audience members remarked on the emotional depth of Kimmel's tribute to Kirk’s widow, highlighting the moment’s impact.
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