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As Jimmy Kimmel<\/a> returned<\/a> to late night Tuesday following ABC\u2019s suspension<\/a> of his show, the host addressed his comments about the killing of Charlie Kirk<\/a> that led to his program to getting pulled off the air in the first place. <\/p>\n During his opening monologue on \u201cJimmy Kimmel Live!\u201d on Sept. 24, Kimmel took a moment during a rather upbeat speech to clarify his previous statements on Kirk\u2019s death.<\/p>\n \u201cI do want to make something clear because it\u2019s important to me as a human. And that is, you understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. I don\u2019t think there\u2019s anything funny about it,\u201d Kimmel said before choking back tears. <\/p>\n \u201cI posted a message on Instagram of the day he was killed sending love to his family and asking for compassion. And I meant it, and I still do. Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what it was obviously a deeply disturbed individual. That was really the opposite of the point I was trying to make,\u201d the host continued. \u201cBut I understand that to some that felt either ill-timed or unclear or maybe both. And for those who think I did point a finger. I get why you\u2019re upset. If the situation was reversed, there\u2019s a good chance I\u2019d have felt the same way. I have many friends and family members on the other side who I love and remain close to, even though we don\u2019t agree on politics at all.\u201d <\/p>\n Kimmel added, \u201cI don\u2019t think the murderer who shot Charlie Kirk represents anyone. This was a sick person who believed violence was a solution. And it isn\u2019t ever.\u201d <\/p>\n He later recognized the strength of Kirk\u2019s wife, Erika, who openly forgave<\/a> the man who shot and killed her husband. <\/p>\n \u201cThat is an example we should follow,\u201c Kimmel said. \u201cIf you believe in the teachings of Jesus, as I do. There it was. That\u2019s it. A selfless act of grace, forgiveness from a grieving widow. It touched me deeply, and I hope it touches many. And if there\u2019s anything we should take from this tragedy to carry forward, I hope it can be that.\u201d<\/p>\n It was revealed Monday<\/a> that Kimmel would be returning after ABC announced<\/a> last Wednesday that \u201cJimmy Kimmel Live!\u201d was suspended indefinitely because of comments the host previously made about Kirk\u2018s death.<\/p>\n Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was shot and killed<\/a> while at a debate at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, Sept. 10.<\/p>\n Kimmel criticized Republican reactions to the political identity of Tyler Robinson<\/a>, who has since been charged with killing Kirk. In his opening monologue<\/a> on Sept. 15, Kimmel said that \u201cwe hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.\u201d<\/p>\n He then cued up footage of a reporter asking Trump how he was holding up while mourning Kirk\u2019s death.<\/p>\n \u201cI think very good,\u201d Trump said, quickly pivoting to talk about the construction of a ballroom at the White House.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s gonna be a beauty,\u201d the president said in the clip.<\/p>\n Trump later commented on Kimmel\u2019s suspension on his social media platform Truth<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cGreat News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED,\u201d Trump wrote. \u201cCongratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that\u2019s possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!! President DJT\u201d <\/p>\n Kimmel\u2019s suspension sent shockwaves across social media<\/a> as various celebrities, many of whom are close to Kimmel, condemned the silencing of the host with some issuing calls to organize against the network\u2019s actions.<\/p>\n \u201cSo I\u2019m in a full face of makeup because I was supposed to go over and have a chat with my friend Jimmy Kimmel on his show, but as you have heard by now, the Jimmy Kimmel show has been pulled indefinitely, abruptly, because of the complaints from the Trump administration,\u201d Wanda Sykes<\/a>, who was booked as a guest on Kimmel\u2019s show before the ABC decision was announced, said in an Instagram video<\/a>. \u201cSo let\u2019s see. (President Donald Trump) didn\u2019t end the Ukraine War or solve Gaza within his first week. But he did end freedom of speech within his first year. Hey, for those of you who pray, now\u2019s the time to do it. Love you, Jimmy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNight of the Museum\u201d star Ben Stiller reshared an X post<\/a> sharing the news with the caption, \u201cThis isn\u2019t right,\u201d while \u201cCommunity\u201d actress Alison Brie wrote, \u201cThis is unreal. And very scary,\u201d on her Instagram story<\/a>. The Screen Actors Guild<\/a> also condemned Kimmel\u2019s suspension.<\/p>\n \u201cOur society depends on freedom of expression,\u201d the labor union said in a statement posted to Instagram<\/a>. \u201cSuppression of free speech and retaliation for speaking out on significant issues of public concern run counter to the fundamental rights we all rely on.\u201d<\/p>\n SAG also called the suspension of Kimmel and the show \u201cthe type of suppression and retaliation that endangers everyone\u2019s freedoms.\u201d<\/p>\n Disney and ABC executives reportedly negotiated Kimmel\u2019s return for several days before announcing the resolution, the Associated Press reported.<\/p>\n Tuesday night\u2019s guests of \u201cJimmy Kimmel Live!\u201d were actor Glen Powell with musical guest Sarah McLachlan. The singer previously canceled her performance<\/a> at her Lilith Fair documentary premiere in solidarity in support of free speech.<\/p>\n If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement<\/a> and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and\/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n
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