Jimmy Kimmel's Emotional Return: A Stand for Free Speech Amid Controversy

Fri Sep 26 2025 12:59:50 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Comedian Jimmy Kimmel addresses the backlash over his comments about the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, emphasizing the importance of free speech during his emotional return to late-night TV.

In a heartfelt comeback episode, Jimmy Kimmel criticized threats to free speech after facing suspension for comments regarding the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel's emotional address highlighted concerns about censorship, labeling the response from regulatory bodies as 'anti-American.' His comments, which sparked outrage, were part of a broader discussion about political pressure and the importance of open dialogue in comedy. Despite local station opposition, Kimmel's show was available on streaming platforms, and his remarks drew varied reactions from supporters and critics alike, including former President Donald Trump.

Jimmy Kimmel has criticized 'anti-American' threats to free speech during an emotional return to late-night US television - following a brief suspension after his comments about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Through tears, the comedian said during Tuesday's comeback show that 'it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man.'

Kimmel accused the head of the organization that regulates American TV of 'mob tactics' and poked fun at President Donald Trump's appearance at the UN.

However, Tuesday's episode was not available to viewers in all markets, due to opposition from some local stations affiliated with Kimmel's network ABC.

Those broadcasters, run by Nexstar and Sinclair, reportedly account for about one in five of ABC's local stations in the US. Kimmel's broadcast was, however, available on streaming service Hulu + Live TV, which is owned by ABC's parent company Disney.

Trump welcomed the comedian's suspension and was critical of the reinstatement, stating: 'I can't believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back.'

Kimmel's show had been pulled after his comments about the shooting of Kirk prompted uproar earlier this month. He had suggested that Trump and his allies were trying to characterize the murderer as 'anything other than one of them.'

On Tuesday, Kimmel insisted he had not wanted to blame any specific group for Kirk's murder. Also, he expressed admiration for Erika Kirk, who forgave her husband's alleged killer.

The comedian criticized Trump for suggesting his fellow late-night hosts should be cancelled and highlighted the dangers of using power to silence free speech.

Kimmel also called out Brendan Carr, the FCC chair, for his response to the incident, claiming it represented a departure from advocating for free speech.

While Kimmel's comeback received praise from some celebrity supporters, including actor Ben Stiller, it wasn’t universally acclaimed. Trump expressed disbelief at ABC's decision and threatened to 'test ABC out on this.'

Local stations continued to replace Kimmel's show with alternative programming, citing concerns over respectful dialogue in media. Kimmel's suspension drew strong backlash from lawmakers, labor unions, and free speech advocates, leading to various celebrity campaigns to support him.

This incident illustrates the ongoing tension between comedy, free expression, and political pressures in the current media landscape.