Jimmy Kimmel Returns to 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' with Defiant Monologue, Takes Swipe at Donald Trump
After a brief suspension, the late-night host apologised for comments about Charlie Kirk’s death while doubling down on free speech and poking fun at Donald Trump
Jimmy Kimmel returned to ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday night with a fiery opening monologue that mixed apology, political commentary and sharp humour. The late-night host had been temporarily pulled off the air after backlash over comments related to the murder of young conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
“It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man,” Kimmel told viewers. “I posted a message on Instagram the day he was killed sending love to his family and asking for compassion and I meant it and I still do.”
The comedian then turned his attention to Donald Trump, delivering one of the night’s most quoted lines: “You almost have to feel sorry for him. He tried his best to cancel me. Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly. He might have to release the Epstein files to distract us from this.”
In typical Kimmel fashion, he lightened the mood by joking that his return came with a catch. “There was one condition for my return,” he said. “Disney required me to read a statement: ‘To reactivate your Disney Plus and Hulu account, open the Disney Plus app on your smart TV or TV-connected device.’”
Reflecting on his 23-year tenure at ABC, Kimmel thanked the network for supporting him even during controversy. “I’ve done almost 4,000 shows on ABC, and over that time the people who run this network have allowed me to evolve and stretch the boundaries of what was once traditional for a late-night talk show,” he said. “Even when it made them uncomfortable, which I do a lot.”
Kimmel also addressed the broader issue of censorship and government pressure on media. “If the government gets in the business of saying you can’t say what you want, it will end badly for all of us,” he warned.
He closed the episode with a call for forgiveness, praising Charlie Kirk’s widow for her dignity. “That is an example we should follow,” he said, before pivoting back to comedy with satirical jabs at Trump’s recent appearances.