Jimmy Kimmel returned to U.S. television on Tuesday night with a fiery defense of free speech, calling his suspension “anti-American” and warning against government control of comedy and commentary.
In an emotional monologue, the late-night host thanked viewers across the political spectrum who rallied behind him after ABC suspended his show amid pressure from the Trump administration and conservative broadcasters.
“A government threat to silence a comedian the president doesn’t like is anti-American. Our government cannot be allowed to control what we do and do not say on television,” Kimmel declared, receiving loud applause.
The controversy began after Kimmel suggested “the MAGA gang” was exploiting the murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. Outrage from Trump allies prompted Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr to appear to threaten ABC affiliate licenses, leading media companies Nexstar and Sinclair to drop the program. Disney, ABC’s parent company, then suspended the show nationwide.
On Tuesday, Kimmel expressed regret that his remarks were misinterpreted.
“It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man,” he said. “Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group… I was hurt, I was a victim.”
Trump, who has long clashed with late-night comedians, mocked Kimmel online before hinting at a lawsuit against ABC. While the legal grounds remain unclear, previous Trump suits against media firms were widely dismissed as meritless.
Audience members described Kimmel’s comeback as “humble” and “genuine,” with one fan saying, “I felt like I was part of history a little bit for free speech.”
Despite Disney reinstating the show, some affiliates including Sinclair and Nexstar stations in Washington DC, Nashville, Seattle, and New Orleans are still refusing to broadcast it.
Critics across the political divide, including conservative senator Ted Cruz and commentator Tucker Carlson, voiced unease at what they viewed as government overreach.
Disney, facing backlash from creators and viewers, defended its initial suspension as an effort to “avoid inflaming a tense situation” but acknowledged that Kimmel’s return followed “thoughtful conversations.”
The incident has reignited debate over the boundaries of political pressure, corporate compliance, and America’s commitment to the First Amendment.
