In a somber and tearful return to his late-night show, Jimmy Kimmel addressed the controversy that led to his suspension, telling viewers he “never intended to make light of the murder of a young man.” The host, who also hit back at his critics, apologized for his comments being “ill-timed or unclear.”
September 24, 2025: After being suspended for over a week, Jimmy Kimmel returned to his late-night show on Tuesday. This triggered a national debate about free speech. He sent a sad, emotional response in which he made it plain that he never meant to make fun of the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Kimmel’s voice trembled as he informed his audience that he understood why folks thought his earlier comments were “ill-timed or unclear” and that he was sorry for upsetting them.
“I don’t think what I have to say will make a difference…” “I don’t think I can change anyone’s mind, but I do want to make something clear because it’s important to me as a human being: you should know that I never meant to make light of the murder of a young man,” Kimmel said. He said that the killer was a “sick person” who “thought violence was a solution” and that his acts do not represent any political party.
The comedian is back after ABC suspended him last Wednesday because conservative media and public leaders were angry about it. Hollywood and the ACLU both vehemently criticized the move, saying that the suspension was a “dark moment for freedom of speech.” Kimmel’s passionate address on the air was a major event in the debate because he went directly to the people, which made a very political national conversation feel more personal and genuine.