Ripa and Consuelos weigh in on free speech as Kimmel returns to ABC

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos made rare political remarks about free speech while addressing Jimmy Kimmel's return to ABC. On Wednesday’s episode of Live With Kelly and Mark, Consuelos called Kimmel “one of the kindest, most generous people that I know” and said he cares about his family, crew and staff. The remarks came as the couple discussed Kimmel’s return to his late-night show and the surrounding debate over comments that led to his suspension.

Consuelos, 54, praised Kimmel’s remarks clarifying that he “never” intended “to make light” of the Sept. 10 “murder” of Charlie Kirk, which led to the show being indefinitely suspended last week. He noted that Kimmel also stressed the importance of free speech, describing his on-air moment as a reminder that “free speech” is a cornerstone of the country. “One thing we can all agree on as a country is that the First Amendment is very important,” the “Cop Out” star said. Kimmel’s return to “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Tuesday night included reflection on the incident and a defense of the role of free expression, according to notes accompanying coverage of the moment.

We know him personally and when I tell you he’s one of the kindest, most generous people that I know … He really, really care, Consuelos added, reiterating his praise for Kimmel’s character and humility as he addressed the audience. The couple also referenced Kimmel’s broader stance on free speech, underscoring that late-night hosts often walk a fine line between humor and social commentary, and that audiences seek a break from daily politics even as dialogue remains essential.

Ripa, 54, joined the conversation with her own take, acknowledging she’s “guilty of saying crazy things” while noting their show is light, frothy and intentionally non-controversial. “We are like melted ice cream,” she joked, but added that they and their team are continually mindful of what they say because “no matter what you say, somebody is upset.” She stressed that everyone has a right to speak, and that others have a right to criticize or respond online. “We have a right to speak and you have a right to say horrible things about me on Instagram. That’s the pleasure about living in a free society. That is important.”

“We do a light show here. We don’t talk about any politics here, we just don’t do it. We know that our fans at home want an escape from all of that, and we agree — we want an escape from all of that,” Consuelos added, underscoring their stance on balancing personal expression with the show’s format. The couple said their social circle includes friends on both ends of the political spectrum and that “everybody’s welcome at [their] table.”

The exchange comes as Page Six reported that Kimmel emotionally returned to his show on Tuesday after it was suspended on Sept. 17 for remarks about the so-called MAGA faction and its portrayal of the killer in the case involving Charlie Kirk. The host did not back away from his earlier comments but acknowledged that they may have felt “ill-timed or unclear,” saying, “If the situation was reversed, there’s a good chance I’d have felt the same way.”

The discussion between the longtime TV hosts reflects a broader public interest in how public figures navigate free speech, responsibility, and entertainment in an era when political discourse frequently intersects with popular culture. As Kimmel resumed his program, he reiterated the balance that many late-night hosts attempt to strike: offering scrutiny of political rhetoric while delivering the escape that audiences associate with late-night television.