Kimmel's return stirs backlash over crocodile tears and sparse Charlie Kirk reference

Jimmy Kimmel returned to ABC on Tuesday after a weeklong suspension tied to his remarks about Charlie Kirk's alleged killer, drawing sharp backlash over what critics described as crocodile tears and a cautious approach to apology.

On his return, Kimmel delivered nearly 20 minutes of monologue but did not name Kirk until more than seven minutes in, and he welled up as he said it was never his intention to mock a murder.

Conservatives and media figures quickly aired responses on X and elsewhere, accusing Kimmel of portraying himself as the victim. Jack Posobiec, a friend of Kirk, wrote that the host used crocodile tears and framed himself as the target, while others described the return as a misstep in tone. Piers Morgan called the segment partisan theater, and Scott Jennings said the monologue showed a lack of accountability. Dana Loesch criticized the absence of a real apology, and Andrew Kolvet, executive producer of The Charlie Kirk Show, posted what he said would be the proper apology, arguing that the shooter was not MAGA-connected and urging Kimmel to acknowledge the error.

Kimmel previously asserted in a prior monologue that the shooter was likely affiliated with the MAGA movement. On the return, he offered only a brief moment to address that claim before moving on, and while he expressed regret that the remarks were misinterpreted, he did not deliver a formal apology on air.

The response extended beyond social media. Some ABC affiliates, including Sinclair-owned stations, opted not to air Kimmel's return, and reaction from entertainment figures grew across outlets. Howard Stern blasted the suspension and said he could no longer stay quiet, while other commentators suggested the situation underscored the political polarization in late-night television. The View co-hosts reportedly weighed in on the episode in their own discussions, noting that no one silences them. Critics continued to call for clearer accountability in the wake of the incident.

As the debate over the boundaries of late-night satire and political commentary intensified, Kimmel and his team faced continued scrutiny from both supporters and critics.