Jimmy Kimmel came back to “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Sept. 23, nearly a week after being suspended, and addressed the controversy that fueled his absence. In a heartfelt monologue, he said he never intended to joke about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and praised Kirk’s widow for her public forgiveness.
Addressing the Controversy
“I don’t think there’s anything funny about it,” Kimmel said, adding that Erika Kirk performed a “selfless act of grace” in forgiving her husband’s killer. He acknowledged that his words might not change minds: “If you like me, you like me. If you don’t, you don’t.”
Ratings Surge and Political Jabs
Kimmel’s return drew nearly 8 million YouTube views by Wednesday morning—far above his usual nightly audience of about 1.8 million. He credited President Donald Trump for the attention, joking, “He tried to cancel me. Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show.”
Mixed Reactions
While comedian Ben Stiller called the monologue “brilliant,” Turning Point USA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet dismissed it as “not good enough,” insisting Kimmel owed an apology. Trump also criticized ABC for allowing the host back and threatened a lawsuit, sparking debate over free speech and political influence.
Standing Ovation
Kimmel took the stage to chants of “Jimmy, Jimmy” and an extended standing ovation. Audience member Walter Bates described the tribute to Erika Kirk as “a very moving moment” that left both him and his wife emotional.
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