Jimmy Kimmel Addresses Backlash Over Charlie Kirk Comments as Show Returns on Air

“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.

As the show returned on air on Sept. 23, Kimmel acknowledged the backlash over his comments and said that he never intended to make light of Kirk’s killing.

“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.”

The late-night host said he posted on Instagram after Kirk’s death, sending love to Kirk’s family and asking people to show compassion.

“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!”

“I think we’re going to test ABC out on this. Let’s see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative. A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings,” the president posted.

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.

In closing his Sept. 23 monologue, Kimmel pointed to the remarks made by Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, at the Sept. 21 memorial service, in which she offered forgiveness to the suspected gunman.

Turning Point USA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet said Kimmel’s comments were not sufficient, saying the TV host made false claims that should be corrected.

“Not good enough. Jimmy, it’s simple,” Kolvet wrote on X on Sept. 24. “Here’s what you need to say: ‘I’m sorry for saying the shooter was MAGA. He was not. He was of the left. I apologize to the Kirk family for lying. Please accept my sincere apology. I will do better. I was wrong.’”

“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.”

The ABC network suspended the show indefinitely on Sept. 17 in response to Kimmel’s monologue about the suspected gunman. ABC had apologized for the “ill-timed and insensitive” comments.

Parent company Disney announced on Sept. 22 that it would bring back the show.

ABC-affiliate station operators Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group have said they would preempt Kimmel’s show on streaming platforms until further notice.

“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.

Just hours before the show’s return, Kimmel posted on Instagram for the first time since the suspension, sharing a photo of himself with the late TV writer and producer Norman Lear, along with the caption, “Missing this guy today.”

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.

“Why would they want someone back who does so poorly,” Trump stated on Truth Social.

“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.”

Jack Phillips contributed to this report.