Jimmy Kimmel has criticized anti-American threats to free speech during an emotional return to late-night US television - following a brief suspension after his comments about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Through tears, the comedian said during Tuesday's comeback show that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man.
Kimmel accused the head of the organisation that regulates American TV of mob tactics, and poked fun at President Donald Trump's appearance at the UN.
But Tuesday's episode was not available to viewers in all markets, due to opposition from some local stations affiliated with Kimmel's network ABC.
Those broadcasters, which are run by the companies Nexstar and Sinclair, reportedly account for about one in five of ABC's local stations in the US. Kimmel's broadcast was, however, available on streaming service Hulu + Live TV, which is owned by ABC's parent company Disney.
Trump, who had welcomed the comedian's suspension, was critical of the reinstatement.
Kimmel insisted he had not wanted to blame any specific group for Kirk's murder, acknowledging that his comments were perhaps poorly timed. He praised Erika Kirk for her forgiveness during a memorial service.
Kimmel's return episode was praised by celebrity supporters, while Trump expressed disbelief that ABC would reinstate Kimmel, arguing that his audience is gone.
As local stations continue to reject airing Kimmel's show, the controversy surrounding free speech and comedy in the media continues to ignite discussions.
