Jimmy Kimmel returned to his late-night show, *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*, on September 23, 2025, after a nearly week-long suspension prompted by controversial remarks about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The host delivered an emotional 18-minute monologue, tackling the backlash that led broadcasters Nexstar and Sinclair to pull his show from their stations.
Kimmel’s comments, made before details of the suspect’s motives emerged, had sparked outrage from the Trump administration and its supporters, escalating into a broader debate about free speech and government overreach.
On September 10, Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at a Utah university event, with 22-year-old Tyler Robinson charged with aggravated murder.
Kimmel’s initial remarks criticized Trump supporters for politicizing the tragedy, prompting Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr to call for action against Kimmel and ABC.
This led to Disney, ABC’s parent company, suspending the show on September 17.
Kimmel used his return to clarify his intent, emphasizing he never meant to trivialize Kirk’s death.
“It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. I don’t think there’s anything funny about it,” he said, addressing the audience with visible emotion.
Kimmel’s monologue also defended political satire, condemning efforts to silence comedians.
He thanked supporters across the political spectrum, including conservative figures like Ben Shapiro and Ted Cruz, for backing his right to free expression.
“That’s not legal. That’s not American. It’s un-American,” Kimmel said of regulatory threats.
He highlighted Erika Kirk’s forgiveness of her husband’s killer as a model of grace, urging unity over division.
Despite Trump’s continued criticism on Truth Social, Kimmel’s return, marked by a standing ovation, reaffirmed his commitment to satire and free speech, even as some affiliates continue their boycott.