Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos make rare political statement after Jimmy Kimmel's ABC return

In a rare departure from their policy of steering clear of political controversy, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos addressed Jimmy Kimmel’s return to ABC on their Wednesday episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, lauding the late-night host as one of the kindest and most generous people they know. The remarks arrived after Kimmel’s program was briefly suspended when his comments about Charlie Kirk’s assassination drew swift backlash and prompted a broader discussion about responsibility in political commentary on late-night television.

Consuelos opened by praising Kimmel’s character, saying he’s someone who “takes care of his family, crew, his staff, everybody. He really, really cares.” Ripa echoed the sentiment, adding that Kimmel “cares about people.” Consuelos also lauded Kimmel’s Tuesday night monologue, noting that the host “was very humble in his speech.” The couple used the moment to pivot toward a broader defense of free expression, insisting that the First Amendment remains a cornerstone of American life.

“One thing we can all agree on as a country is the First Amendment is really important,” Consuelos said. “We do a light show here. We don’t talk about any politics here. We just don’t do it. We know our fans at home want an escape from all of that. And we agree. We want an escape from all of that.” Yet he also reminded viewers that “we all are free, because you never know, we could say something crazy tomorrow, and we’re gone.” He added that ABC’s decision to keep Kimmel on the schedule was a deliberate move by the network and “the right thing to do for the company.”

Ripa reinforced the point, saying the country is at an inflection point where “no matter what you say, somebody is upset.” She emphasized the importance of having a space for dialogue while acknowledging the reality of online backlash. “I have a right to speak, and you have a right to say horrible things to me on Instagram,” she said, framing social media as part of living in a free society.

The conversation touched on the social fabric of a media landscape where political discourse can spill into entertainment. Consuelos expressed a belief in personal relationships across the political spectrum, telling viewers that he has “dear friends” on both sides of the aisle and that love for them transcends disagreement. “This is a free society, a free country,” he said, adding, “Everybody’s welcome at our table.”

ABC took Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air last week after he referenced Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassination in a segment that drew sharp condemnation from critics who said the joke inadvertently linked political violence to a real-world figure. The suspension prompted Disney to announce that Kimmel would be back on the air days later, while also describing his remarks as “ill-timed and thus insensitive.” Kimmel addressed the episode on his monologue the following Tuesday, saying, “You understand that it was never my intention to make light of a murder of a young man. I don’t think there’s anything funny about it,” and acknowledging that for some viewers his comments “felt ill-timed or unclear, or maybe both.” He added, “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.”

The return of Kimmel to the ABC lineup followed swift criticism of the remarks and a broader conversation about how late-night hosts balance humor with accountability. Disney’s response framed the episode as a misstep rather than a fatal flaw, signaling a desire to move forward while acknowledging the impact of the comments. The episode’s resolution, and Kimmel’s own apology, set the stage for a broader debate about the role of entertainment platforms in a polarized era.

Ripa and Consuelos’ remarks stand out as a rare moment of overt political conversation on a morning variety show known for lighthearted banter and lifestyle segments. CNN-style disclaimers and network statements aside, the couple used their platform to underscore the value of free speech while also acknowledging the fragility of public discourse in a time of heightened political tension. They framed their comments as a call for civility and inclusion in a space traditionally designed for escape from the news cycle.

The exchange occurred against the backdrop of a broader debate about how media figures should conduct themselves on air and in social media. While both hosts have historically avoided political endorsements or partisan rhetoric, their acknowledgment of First Amendment rights and the importance of a free press resonates with audiences navigating a media landscape where political content increasingly bleeds into entertainment programming. The moment also highlights the delicate balance television broadcasters must strike between supporting colleagues and maintaining a show’s brand as a safe, apolitical refuge for viewers seeking respite from current events.

As Live with Kelly and Mark continues into a fall season heavy with premieres and cross-promotions, the episode serves as a reminder that even long-running, people-centric entertainment programs can become stages for broader cultural conversations. The mix of praise for Kimmel, defense of free expression, and reaffirmation of the audience’s desire for an escape underscores how culture and entertainment are increasingly entwined with political discourse, even in spaces historically reserved for lighthearted celebrity interviews and lifestyle segments.

The public reaction to Kimmel’s return, and to Ripa and Consuelos’ comments, signals that viewers are watching not only for entertainment but for guidance on how to engage with a media environment where political content is pervasive. Whether the couple’s statement will influence other hosts to acknowledge political themes on morning television remains to be seen. For now, the moment stands as a testament to the ongoing, evolving relationship between entertainment and politics in contemporary culture.