Jimmy Kimmel returned to late-night television on September 23, speaking emotionally in defence of US political satire and accusing Donald Trump of «bullying» following a week-long suspension of his show.
«It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. I don’t think there is anything funny about it,» Kimmel told viewers, his voice breaking.
He stressed he had not sought to blame any group for the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, saying the opposite had been his intention.
Disney, parent company of ABC, suspended production of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on September 17, two days after Kimmel claimed in his monologue that Trump’s supporters were desperate to portray Kirk’s alleged killer «as anything other than one of them» and were trying to «score political points» from the tragedy.
Ahead of Kimmel’s return, Trump attacked the decision on his Truth Social platform, saying he «can’t believe» ABC reinstated him.
«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,» he wrote, accusing ABC of acting as «an arm of the DNC» and hinting at possible legal action.
The backlash to Kimmel’s comments was swift. FCC chairman Brendan Carr threatened an investigation, warning broadcasters they risked fines or even losing their licences if they continued to air his show.
Kimmel responded that Trump’s attacks were not limited to comedians but also targeted journalists.
«He’s suing them, he’s bullying them,» he said, adding that freedom of the press was under threat. «It is nuts we are not paying more attention to it.»
He also said he was «deeply» moved by the forgiveness shown by Erika Kirk, the widow of the murdered activist, towards her husband’s accused killer, a 22-year-old technical student from Utah.
