An emotional Jimmy Kimmel has criticised 'anti-American' threats to free speech during his return to late-night US television - following a brief suspension after comments he made about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The comedian said during Tuesday's show - his first since the controversy - that 'it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man'. Kimmel also compared Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair Brendan Carr to a mob boss, and poked fun at President Donald Trump's appearance at the UN, including an escalator mishap.
However, Tuesday's episode was not viewable in all markets, due to resistance from many local stations affiliated with ABC. It was, however, available on streaming service Hulu + Live TV, owned by Disney - which is also the parent of ABC. Dozens of local TV stations in the US run by affiliates Nexstar and Sinclair said they would continue to replace Jimmy Kimmel Live! with alternate programming for now. Carr - who leads the organisation that regulates American television - praised their decision in a post on X on Tuesday.
Speaking on Tuesday's programme, Kimmel said he had not wanted to blame any specific group for Kirk's murder and praised Erika Kirk for forgiving her husband's alleged killer at a weekend memorial service. Kimmel also reiterated his criticism of Carr, who was one of the first to call for his suspension. Kimmel emphasized that our leader celebrates people losing their livelihoods because he can't take a joke, calling Trump's stance 'un-American' and 'dangerous'.
Despite varied reactions to his return, including calls to cancel subscriptions over his suspension, Kimmel’s first show back featured guests Glen Powell and musical act Sarah McLachlan. The statements made during his return highlighted the ongoing debates of free speech and political commentary in American media.
However, Tuesday's episode was not viewable in all markets, due to resistance from many local stations affiliated with ABC. It was, however, available on streaming service Hulu + Live TV, owned by Disney - which is also the parent of ABC. Dozens of local TV stations in the US run by affiliates Nexstar and Sinclair said they would continue to replace Jimmy Kimmel Live! with alternate programming for now. Carr - who leads the organisation that regulates American television - praised their decision in a post on X on Tuesday.
Speaking on Tuesday's programme, Kimmel said he had not wanted to blame any specific group for Kirk's murder and praised Erika Kirk for forgiving her husband's alleged killer at a weekend memorial service. Kimmel also reiterated his criticism of Carr, who was one of the first to call for his suspension. Kimmel emphasized that our leader celebrates people losing their livelihoods because he can't take a joke, calling Trump's stance 'un-American' and 'dangerous'.
Despite varied reactions to his return, including calls to cancel subscriptions over his suspension, Kimmel’s first show back featured guests Glen Powell and musical act Sarah McLachlan. The statements made during his return highlighted the ongoing debates of free speech and political commentary in American media.
