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Late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel discussed Erika Kirk, widow of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, in his first show back on air Tuesday night after getting suspended.
Why It Matters
Kimmel’s return to ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! after a weeklong suspension marks a significant moment in the ongoing national discussion on free speech, political influence over media and the boundaries of televised commentary.
The suspension came after Kimmel’s remarks after the assassination of Kirk, sparking a fierce public debate over censorship and political pressure on broadcasters. The controversy centered on Kimmel’s comments about MAGA and 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the killing.
Kirk, 31, was a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump and a face of the MAGA movement for younger generations. He utilized social media platforms to engage with younger people to discuss topics related to culture wars, foreign policy, religion and other conservative values.
Additional media broadcasters like Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group pulled the plug on Kimmel’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!, as the companies own multiple ABC local affiliates across the country. Sinclair continued to preempt Kimmel’s show on Tuesday, saying in part that “Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the show’s potential return.” Nexstar also continued to preempt the show.
What To Know
In his monologue, Kimmel addressed his previous remarks, saying he does not think that the suspect “represents anyone” and that the assailant is “a sick person who believed violence was a solution.”
Speaking directly about Erika Kirk, Kimmel said that her ability to forgive the attacker is “an example we should follow.”
“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, that touched me deeply. And I hope it touches many and if there’s anything we should take from this tragedy to carry forward, I hope it can be that and not this,” Kimmel said.
Kimmel thanked his fellow late-night talk-show hosts, both at home and abroad, who he said had shown solidarity with him. He also thanked his audience “who cared enough to do something about it, to make your voices heard so mine could be heard.”
“Maybe most of all, I want to thank the people who don’t support my show and what I believe but support my right to share those beliefs anyway,” he said, before citing a list of influential conservatives who spoke out in support of free speech.
“It takes courage for them to speak out against this administration and they did and they deserve credit for it, and thanks,” he said.
“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,’’ adding that violence was never a solution.
“Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what was obviously a deeply disturbed individual. 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.”
What People Are Saying
Trump, on Truth Social Tuesday night: “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! Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his “talent” was never there. Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, who’s not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE. He is yet another arm of the DNC 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. 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.”
Kimmel said: “This show is not important. What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this.”
What Happens Next
Jimmy Kimmel Live! resumes regular programming but remains inaccessible in regions where affiliates controlled by Nexstar and Sinclair are still withholding it.
Update 9/24/2025 1:50 a.m. ET: This story has been updated to include more information.
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