Kimmel lauds Erika Kirk for forgiving her husband’s alleged killer as show returns

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel praised Erika Kirk during his Tuesday show for forgiving her husband’s alleged killer, calling it a selfless act of grace that everyone should follow. The remarks came as Kimmel’s program returned after Disney briefly suspended him over comments about Charlie Kirk's alleged shooter. Kimmel framed the moment as a powerful example of forgiveness rooted in faith, a posture he said many viewers found moving.

Kimmel addressed the controversy on air, saying he never intended to mock the murder and that the killer did not represent any ideology. He thanked fellow late-night hosts and critics who weighed in on the situation as his first show back aired. He acknowledged that people would have differing reactions, but emphasized that his goal was to acknowledge the tragedy without trivializing it.

Erika Kirk spoke at her husband Charlie Kirk's memorial service in Glendale, Arizona, describing that her husband had aimed to help young men and noting that she forgives the shooter, drawing on her faith and what Charlie would have done. The memorial service, held at State Farm Stadium, underscored the couple’s public profile and the broader national conversation about forgiveness in the wake of violence.

Public figures and commentators praised Erika Kirk's words on social media and in coverage across outlets. MSNBC's Joe Scarborough and others highlighted the forgiveness as a moment of grace that resonated with viewers, while some critics urged a cautious reading of the incident within the broader context of political and media discourse. Fox News and other outlets carried the memorial updates and the emotional response to Erika Kirk’s decision, illustrating how a single act of forgiveness can become a focal point for national dialogue on faith and forgiveness in public life.

State Farm Stadium in Glendale hosted the memorial service on Sept. 21, 2025, drawing attention to a nationwide discussion about forgiveness, faith, and the responsibilities of public figures in times of tragedy. The event and the responses to Erika Kirk's act have continued to shape conversations about mercy and accountability in a polarized culture.