Jimmy Kimmel received a standing ovation upon his return to late-night television on Tuesday, with the studio audience enthusiastically chanting his name, as reported by Deadline.
The show was unexpectedly taken off-air last week following concerns raised by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair Brendan Carr and several affiliate networks over Kimmel’s comments in a monologue about the MAGA movement’s reaction to the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
This suspension ignited a nationwide debate on freedom of speech and government intervention in media, highlighting stark divisions between supporters of former US President Donald Trump’s administration and the seasoned TV host, who have had numerous public disagreements over the years.
His return was a joyous moment for his audience.
In an emotionally charged monologue, Kimmel opened his first show after the week-long suspension by ABC with a nod to Jack Paar, who famously left and returned to The Tonight Show in 1960. “As I was saying before I was interrupted…,” he began.
In his first show since September 16, Kimmel expressed gratitude to his fans and even those who “don’t support my show and what I believe, but support my right to share those beliefs”.
He stated, “Our government cannot be permitted to dictate what we can or cannot say on television.”
With tears in his eyes when mentioning Kirk, he said, “It was never my intention to trivialize the murder of a young man.”
“I don’t believe there’s anything humorous about it. I shared a message on Instagram on the day he was killed, sending love to his family and calling for compassion, and I was sincere in that. I still am. Nor was it my goal to blame any particular group for the actions of what was clearly a deeply disturbed individual. That was really the opposite of the point I was trying to make, but I understand that to some, it felt either ill-timed or unclear, or perhaps both, and for those who think I did point a finger, I see why you’re upset. If the situation were reversed, there’s a good chance I’d feel the same way. I have many friends and family members on the other side who I love and remain close to despite our political disagreements. I don’t believe the murderer who shot Charlie Kirk represents anyone. This was a sick person,” he stated.
Kimmel emphasized that Jimmy Kimmel Live! is not the important issue, but rather “that we have the privilege to live in a country that allows us to host a show like this”.
“I’ve had the chance to meet and spend time with comedians and talk-show hosts from [other] countries … The freedom to speak is what they admire most about this country, and it’s something I’m ashamed to admit I took for granted until my friend Stephen [Colbert] was taken off the air, and attempts were made to pressure the affiliates that broadcast our show in your cities to remove my show from the air. That’s not legal. That’s not American. That is un-American,” he added.
Despite the recent controversies, Kimmel continues to be a respected figure in the entertainment industry. His abrupt suspension shocked many both within and outside ABC.
