After being suspended for five days, Jimmy Kimmel returned to his ABC show, and he became emotional. Kimmel insisted, he never meant to make light of Charlie Kirk's murder.
Following criticism for his remarks regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Kimmel was suspended indefinitely; however, his late-night show returned to air on Tuesday.
In a monologue after Mr Kirk’s death, Kimmel said “many in MAGA land are working very hard to capitalise on the murder of Charlie Kirk” and that “the MAGA gang” was “desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them”.
After a standing ovation on his return, Kimmel appeared tearful as he said, “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.”After thanking everyone who had been in touch with him over the last week, he also added, “Maybe, weirdly, most of all I want to thank the people who don’t support my show and what I believe but support my right to share those beliefs anyway – people I never would have imagined.”
President Trump’s criticism
President Donald Trump was critical of Kimmel’s return even before the programme had gone to air. Trump said on his Truth Social platform: “I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, who’s not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE.”
His post continued: “He is yet another arm of the DNC and, to the best of my knowledge, that would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution.
“I think we’re going to test ABC out on this. Let’s see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 million. This one sounds even more lucrative. A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings.”
Kimmel hit back with a couple of jokes at Trump’s expense in his monologue.