Jimmy Kimmel has passionately denounced what he terms “anti-American” threats to free speech during an emotional return to his late-night US television show. His comeback followed a short suspension stemming from comments he made regarding the tragic killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Tearfully, Kimmel stated on Tuesday’s broadcast, “It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man.” He directed sharp criticism at the head of the US television regulator, labeling their actions as “mob tactics.” Kimmel also humorously addressed President Donald Trump’s recent appearance at the UN, including a notable escalator mishap.
However, Tuesday’s episode was not universally accessible, with some local ABC affiliate stations reportedly choosing to broadcast alternative programming instead. These stations, primarily owned by Nexstar and Sinclair, represent a significant portion of ABC’s affiliates across the US.
President Trump, who had previously welcomed Kimmel’s suspension, reacted to the host’s reinstatement by criticizing ABC’s decision on his social media platform. Meanwhile, Kimmel was joined on his show by veteran Hollywood actor Robert De Niro, a vocal critic of Trump, for a skit that humorously depicted the FCC commissioner. Kimmel asserted that the FCC was employing “mob tactics to suppress free speech,” to which De Niro quipped, “Speech, it ain’t free no more.”