Kimmel Returns to Air, Says He Never Intended to Mock Assassination

Jimmy Kimmel's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" returned to the air Tuesday night after a near-week pause prompted by controversial remarks about Charlie Kirk's alleged assassin, with Kimmel speaking directly to viewers and tearing up as he insisted he never intended to mock the killing of a young man.

Kimmel's comeback was marked by a standing ovation that rolled into chants of "Jimmy! Jimmy!" as the show opened with a special report and the host acknowledged the crowd. He thanked colleagues across the late-night landscape—Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart and David Letterman—along with right-leaning critics such as Clay Travis and Sen. Ted Cruz, for publicly supporting him during the suspension. He did not retreat from the day’s tensions, but he set a tone centered on accountability and empathy.

“I’ve been hearing a lot about what I need to say and do tonight, and the truth is, I don’t think what I have to say is going to make much of a difference,” Kimmel said at the outset. “If you like me, you like me. If you don’t, you don’t. I have no illusions about changing anyone’s mind. But I want to make something clear, because it’s important to me as a human, and that is – you understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man.” He paused, tearing up, and then pointed to an Instagram post the day of the death in which he wrote to express love for Kirk’s family.

“Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions,” he continued. “It was 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 ill-timed or unclear or maybe both, and for those who think I did point a finger, I get why you’re upset. If the situation was reversed, there’s a good chance I would have felt the same way.” He added, “I have many friends and family members on the other side who I love and remain close to, even though we don’t agree on politics at all. I don’t think the murderer who shot Charlie Kirk represents anyone. This was a sick person who believed violence was a solution, and it isn’t ever.”

Kimmel also offered his thoughts on Disney’s decision to suspend the show for roughly a week amid the uproar. “Every night, they defended my right to poke fun at our leaders and to advocate for subjects that I think are important by allowing me to use their platform, and I’m very grateful for that. With that said, I was not happy when they pulled me off the air on Wednesday,” he said. “I did not agree with that decision, and we had many conversations. We talked it through. And at the end, even though they didn’t have to, they welcomed me back on the air.” He closed by recalling Erika Kirk’s moving tribute—her forgiveness of the man who killed her husband—as a model for how society might move forward.

There was a personal note throughout the monologue, as he described the moment Erika Kirk forgave her husband’s killer as a potential touchstone for national decency. “There was a moment over the weekend, a very beautiful moment. I don’t know if you saw this. On Sunday, Erika Kirk forgave the man who shot her husband. She forgave him. That 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. It 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.”

The decision to return comes after Disney paused the show last week following Kimmel’s remarks about Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin, which some critics said framed the suspect in a way that could inflame political tensions. The suspension prompted broad friction throughout the industry, including preemptions by independent local outlets owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group in dozens of ABC markets. The companies said they would continue to preempt the program in those markets as discussions between ABC and the affiliates continued behind the scenes.

Meanwhile, the controversy spilled into the political sphere. President Donald Trump attacked Kimmel and ABC for resuming the show despite the backlash, accusing ABC of caving to critics and labeling the host’s remarks as emblematic of a broader cultural struggle. The online debate around satire, free speech and accountability has persisted as ABC and its affiliates navigate public sentiment and advertiser concerns while deciding how to handle future episodes.

The episode’s return also comes as broadcasters and watchdogs watch for any potential regulatory scrutiny. FCC Chair Brendan Carr publicly signaled concern about the handling of the incident, highlighting tensions between free expression on late-night television and the responsibilities of a major media conglomerate when a program draws wide political reaction. The notes indicate Carr’s response reflected a broader anxiety about the misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric that can accompany high-profile talk shows, even as many viewers look to comedians for sharper social commentary.

For Kimmel, the moment was both a professional reset and a personal reckoning. He thanked colleagues who offered support during the suspension and emphasized that the show remains committed to tackling complex issues with humor and honesty while avoiding dehumanizing language or scapegoating any group. He acknowledged the challenges inherent in balancing satire with sensitivity, especially when real people are affected by violent acts.

The broader conversation around the incident has already reshaped how some networks, affiliates and critics approach late-night programming. Some viewers cheered the return, arguing that the show provides a forum for dialogue and critique of public figures, while others urged continued caution about how political violence is discussed in entertainment. The suspension underscored the delicate line between punching up and punching down, a line that editors and producers say will continue to be watched closely as the season unfolds.

As the week progressed, ABC affiliates in several markets continued to preempt Kimmel’s show, reflecting ongoing negotiations and editorial considerations at the local level. The industry’s response to this episode could influence how similar controversies are handled in the future, including how networks communicate with affiliate stations and how voices on both sides of the political spectrum frame their criticisms in the context of cultural commentary.

As late-night schedules settle into a new rhythm, Kimmel’s remarks and Disney’s decision to bring the show back will likely spark further discussion about how comedy intersects with national discourse and how media organizations manage disputes that cross from the pages of political controversy into the studio lights of television.

The episode’s outcome may not resolve every question about free speech and responsibility in comedy, but it has already illustrated the volatility of the current media landscape and the fragile balance between audience expectation, corporate policy and the real-world impact of televised satire. The public conversation around this incident will continue to unfold as ABC and its affiliates assess the path forward and as Kimmel resumes his role as a front-row observer of American politics and culture, blending humor with scrutiny in a time when both are in high demand.