Jimmy Kimmel has returned to late-night television after being pulled off the air by ABC last Wednesday. The decision to remove him from the airwaves appeared to be a response to pressure from the Trump administration, following Kimmel’s comments about Republicans’ reactions to the death of right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk.
During his return monologue, Kimmel expressed gratitude to his audience for their support and acknowledged the comments he made about Kirk’s death, stating it was never his intention to make light of the murder or blame any specific group for the actions of the killer. He emphasized that the murderer does not represent anyone and that violence is never a solution.
Kimmel also addressed the free speech concerns that arose after his suspension, highlighting the importance of Americans’ freedom to criticize those in power. He noted that this freedom is admired by people in other countries and emphasized that it is essential to speak out against attempts to undermine it.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman, Brendan Carr, had threatened ABC’s broadcasting license prior to Kimmel’s suspension, objecting to his comments about Republicans’ reactions to Kirk’s death. President Donald Trump has also targeted other talk show hosts, calling for the cancellation of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night with Seth Meyers.
Kimmel thanked ABC for allowing him to return to the air, despite the ongoing threat from the FCC. He also warned that the president’s actions pose a threat not only to comedians but also to journalists, citing Trump’s lawsuits and bullying of journalists. The president’s efforts to control the media have also included a new policy requiring journalists with Pentagon press credentials to sign a pledge promising not to report unauthorized information.
The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel and the subsequent backlash have highlighted concerns about free speech and the importance of a free press in the United States. As Kimmel returns to the air, the incident serves as a reminder of the need to protect these fundamental rights and the potential consequences of allowing political pressure to influence the media.