Jimmy Kimmel returned to the air on Tuesday night after a suspension of almost a week, but it was not to issue a complete apology for his controversial comments about the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
In his emotional monologue about Jimmy Kimmel Live! The night host said he never intended to make Kirk’s death, which occurred earlier this month at an event at the University of Utah Valley.
Kimmel tried to clarify previous comments, suggesting that the alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson, was affiliated with the Maga Movement.
“You understand that it was never my intention to make the light of a murder of a young man. I don’t think there is fun,” Kimmel told the study audience, which gave him multiple standing ovations. “For those who think I signed up for a finger, I understand why you are annoying.”
While avoiding a direct apology, Kimmel praised Kirk’s widow, Erika, for publicly forgiving her husband’s alleged murderer. “That’s it. A selfless act of grace,” he said.
The program, suspended last week by ABC after a reaction of the conservatives, resumed in the midst of the criticism of former President Donald Trump and the ongoing boycots against Disney.
Some ABC affiliates owned by Sinclair said they would not broadcast the Kimmel program.
