Jimmy Kimmel Addresses "Anti-American" Threats To Free Speech In First Show Since Suspension
Jimmy Kimmel returned to Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday night after a brief suspension that followed backlash over his comments about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Fighting back tears, Kimmel clarified, "It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man," and said his remarks were aimed at those politicizing the tragedy, not Kirk himself. His original comments accusing Trump allies of using the murder for political gain had sparked outrage, leading ABC to temporarily pull the show.
Kimmel took direct aim at the Federal Communications Commission and its head, Brendan Carr, who had pushed for the suspension. He accused Carr of using "mob tactics" and labeled government efforts to silence comedians as “anti-American.” The monologue also mocked Donald Trump, who had celebrated Kimmel’s suspension and threatened further action against ABC, saying, “He tried his best to cancel me and instead he forced millions of people to watch this show.”
Despite ABC reinstating the show following pressure from Hollywood figures, lawmakers, and free speech advocates, not all stations are airing it. Local affiliates run by Sinclair and Nexstar—who together control nearly a quarter of ABC's reach—continue to block the program. Sinclair has demanded an apology and donation to Kirk’s organization before reconsidering, while Nexstar says it’s waiting for a "respectful, constructive dialogue." However it is still available to watch on the ABC website, Hulu and Disney+.
