Jimmy Kimmel made his on-air comeback on Tuesday, addressing a recent controversy that caused a pause in his late-night show and ignited discussions about free speech in the United States. Kimmel started his monologue with a trademark joke but quickly shifted to a more serious tone as he reflected on the days since his suspension. He emphasized the significance of living in a country that upholds the freedom to express opinions.
The return of Kimmel’s show was eagerly anticipated, with the host using his 15-minute monologue to advocate for Americans’ right to free speech under the First Amendment. He acknowledged receiving support from individuals across the political spectrum who value this fundamental freedom.
Expressing gratitude for the supportive messages he received, Kimmel also addressed his remarks about the tragic incident involving Charlie Kirk. He clarified that his intention was never to trivialize the loss of life and expressed remorse for any insensitivity perceived in his previous statements.
Kimmel also commended Erika Kirk, the widow of the victim, for her act of forgiveness towards the perpetrator. He highlighted her gesture as a poignant example to learn from in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Prior to the show’s airing, former President Trump hinted at possible legal action against the network. Despite the tension, Kimmel did not shy away from poking fun at Trump during his return, joking about the impact of the controversy on viewership.
Acknowledging the conditions set by Disney for his return, Kimmel humorously mentioned their request for viewers to re-subscribe to Hulu and Disney+. He expressed his gratitude to the network for reinstating him while affirming his commitment to pushing the boundaries in late-night television.
Kimmel concluded by thanking his supporters, including fellow celebrities and politicians who stood by him during the ordeal. He highlighted the importance of defending free speech and resisting any attempts to stifle diverse voices in media.