NEW YORK — Jimmy Kimmel returned to late-night television with an emotionally charged monologue following his suspension. He addressed the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and paid heartfelt tribute to Kirk's widow, Erika.
Despite the serious topic, Kimmel did not miss the chance to inject his signature humor into the mix, particularly targeting former President Trump, suggesting that the suspension inadvertently boosted his ratings.
“He tried to cancel me. Instead, he’s forced millions to watch the show. That backfired bigly,” Kimmel joked, drawing laughter from the audience. He emphasized he never intended to make light of Kirk's murder, stating, “There’s nothing funny about it,” and highlighted Erika's grace in forgiving her husband’s killer.
His performance garnered nearly 8 million views on YouTube by midmorning after airing, an impressive feat considering he typically averages 1.8 million viewers on live television.
Responses to Kimmel's monologue varied, with critics like Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for Turning Point USA, expressing dissatisfaction and calling for an apology, while others praised Kimmel’s emotional sincerity.
This incident has catalyzed a broader discussion about freedom of speech within the comedy sphere, especially in a polarized political climate. Kimmel's emotive return not only resonated with the audience but also ignited conversation surrounding the responsibilities of public figures in addressing sensitive issues.
Audience reactions were mixed, with one member noting that Kimmel's comments about Kirk's widow were particularly moving and had brought tears to their eyes.
