Jimmy Kimmel returns to ABC after scandal: was there an apology?
24 september 2025 в 19:13
Jimmy Kimmel returned to ABC on September 23, 2025 in an emotional and lengthy monologue. The network reinstated his late-night comedy show, «Jimmy Kimmel Live!», less than a week after his comment about suspected shooter Charlie Kirk, Tyler Robinson, sparked outrage among critics, many of whom are asking if he apologized.
Keep reading to find out if Kimmel’s monologue included an apology.
Depending on your location, «Jimmy Kimmel Live!» is available to watch on ABC. However, Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group have blocked the show on their ABC-affiliated stations in several regions of the country.
Viewers can watch Kimmel’s show on Hulu or Disney+ after episodes air on ABC.
No, Kimmel did not formally apologize for the comment he made about Kirk and the «MAGA gang» on September 15. However, he became emotional in his monologue, clarifying that he «never» meant to «joke» about Kirk’s murder.
«My intention was never to joke about the killing of a young man», - Kimmel said, holding back tears. «I don’t think there’s anything funny about it… My intention was not to blame any specific group for the actions of this clearly sick individual… It was really the opposite of what I was trying to say, but I understand that for some it seemed inappropriate or unclear, or maybe both. And for those who feel like I pointed fingers, I understand why you’re upset. If the situation were reversed, there’s a good chance I would feel the same».
Kimmel also noted that he immediately sent his condolences to Kirk’s widow, Erica Kirk, and their children when Turning Point USA founder was shot.
Throughout his hour and a half monologue, Kimmel touched on several topics. He praised Kirk’s wife for forgiving her late husband’s killer.
«She forgave him. That’s an example we should follow», - Kimmel continued, his voice trembling with emotion. «If you believe in the teachings of Jesus, like I do, here it is. An act of selfless mercy. Forgiveness from a grieving widow. It deeply touched me, and I hope it will touch many. And if there’s anything we should take from this tragedy to carry forward, I hope it’s this».
The comedian also shared his reaction to Disney’s decision to suspend him from the airwaves a week earlier, saying he was «not happy» about it.
«I disagreed with that decision, and I told them that, and we had many conversations», - he explained. «I voiced my opinion; they voiced theirs. We discussed it, and ultimately, while they didn’t have to, they really didn’t have to — it’s a huge company. We have short memories, and I — a tiny part of the Disney corporation. They welcomed me back on the air, and I thank them for that».
Kimmel also joked about his employer, reading a fake letter from Disney urging viewers to resubscribe to Disney+ and Hulu after countless people canceled their accounts.
Finally, Kimmel did not hold back in his comments about Donald Trump and the Federal Communications Commission for their statements about talk show hosts.
«The President of the United States has made it very clear that he wants to see me and hundreds of people working here fired from their jobs», - Kimmel pointed out. «Our leader celebrates the loss of Americans' livelihoods because he can’t take a joke. He managed to push [Stephen] Colbert out of CBS, then turned his attention to me, and now openly cheers for NBC to fire Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, and hundreds of Americans working on their shows who don’t make millions of dollars. And I hope that if this happens, or even if there’s a hint of it, you’ll be ten times louder than you were this week».
Kimmel discussed freedom of speech in America and recalled a meeting with a comedian
Keep reading to find out if Kimmel’s monologue included an apology.
Depending on your location, «Jimmy Kimmel Live!» is available to watch on ABC. However, Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group have blocked the show on their ABC-affiliated stations in several regions of the country.
Viewers can watch Kimmel’s show on Hulu or Disney+ after episodes air on ABC.
No, Kimmel did not formally apologize for the comment he made about Kirk and the «MAGA gang» on September 15. However, he became emotional in his monologue, clarifying that he «never» meant to «joke» about Kirk’s murder.
«My intention was never to joke about the killing of a young man», - Kimmel said, holding back tears. «I don’t think there’s anything funny about it… My intention was not to blame any specific group for the actions of this clearly sick individual… It was really the opposite of what I was trying to say, but I understand that for some it seemed inappropriate or unclear, or maybe both. And for those who feel like I pointed fingers, I understand why you’re upset. If the situation were reversed, there’s a good chance I would feel the same».
Kimmel also noted that he immediately sent his condolences to Kirk’s widow, Erica Kirk, and their children when Turning Point USA founder was shot.
Throughout his hour and a half monologue, Kimmel touched on several topics. He praised Kirk’s wife for forgiving her late husband’s killer.
«She forgave him. That’s an example we should follow», - Kimmel continued, his voice trembling with emotion. «If you believe in the teachings of Jesus, like I do, here it is. An act of selfless mercy. Forgiveness from a grieving widow. It deeply touched me, and I hope it will touch many. And if there’s anything we should take from this tragedy to carry forward, I hope it’s this».
The comedian also shared his reaction to Disney’s decision to suspend him from the airwaves a week earlier, saying he was «not happy» about it.
«I disagreed with that decision, and I told them that, and we had many conversations», - he explained. «I voiced my opinion; they voiced theirs. We discussed it, and ultimately, while they didn’t have to, they really didn’t have to — it’s a huge company. We have short memories, and I — a tiny part of the Disney corporation. They welcomed me back on the air, and I thank them for that».
Kimmel also joked about his employer, reading a fake letter from Disney urging viewers to resubscribe to Disney+ and Hulu after countless people canceled their accounts.
Finally, Kimmel did not hold back in his comments about Donald Trump and the Federal Communications Commission for their statements about talk show hosts.
«The President of the United States has made it very clear that he wants to see me and hundreds of people working here fired from their jobs», - Kimmel pointed out. «Our leader celebrates the loss of Americans' livelihoods because he can’t take a joke. He managed to push [Stephen] Colbert out of CBS, then turned his attention to me, and now openly cheers for NBC to fire Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, and hundreds of Americans working on their shows who don’t make millions of dollars. And I hope that if this happens, or even if there’s a hint of it, you’ll be ten times louder than you were this week».
Kimmel discussed freedom of speech in America and recalled a meeting with a comedian
© Smirnova Olga
