An Emotional Jimmy Kimmel Returns With First Monologue After Show Suspension

Jimmy Kimmel's first words back on air were marked by emotion and defiance, as he used his return to address free speech, political pressure, and the controversy that sidelined his late-night show.

Jimmy Kimmel returned to television Tuesday night with an emotional opening monologue on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" following a brief suspension of his late-night program.

The ABC show had been pulled after comments Kimmel made about the suspect in the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk drew backlash. Affiliate groups Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group refused to air the series, prompting ABC to announce an indefinite suspension. Disney later reversed the decision, though both affiliates continued to keep the program off their schedules.

Kimmel began his return by thanking fans, friends, and even political opponents who voiced support during the controversy. He cited remarks from Sen. Ted Cruz as well as messages from Ben Shapiro, Candace Owens, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

"Our government cannot be allowed to control what we do and do not say on television, and we have to stand up to it," he started. "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. If you like me, you like me; if you don't, you don't; I have no illusions about changing anyone's mind."

Fighting back tears, Kimmel insisted it was never his intention to minimize Kirk's death. "It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man," he said. He acknowledged that his remarks may have felt "ill-timed or unclear" and said he understood why some were upset.

"I don't think the murderer who shot Charlie Kirk represents anyone," he added. "This was a sick person who believed violence was a solution and it isn't."

Kimmel also criticized efforts to silence him and other late-night hosts. "That's not legal. That's not American. That is un-American," he reiterated of attempts to pressure affiliates. He joked about the terms of his reinstatement, reading a mock statement instructing viewers how to reactivate Disney+ and Hulu accounts.

He later accused former President Donald Trump of trying to get him fired and targeting other hosts like Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers. "Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he can't take a joke," Kimmel quipped.

Kimmel did not issue a direct apology, which Sinclair had previously said was a condition for his show to return to its stations.