Jimmy Kimmel's Emotional Comeback: Defending Free Speech Against 'Anti-American' Threats

Mon Oct 20 2025 19:28:38 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a heartfelt return to late-night TV, Jimmy Kimmel addressed the threats to free speech in America, emphasizing the impact of his recent suspension after comments on Charlie Kirk's murder.

Jimmy Kimmel made an emotional return to late-night television, criticizing what he referred to as 'anti-American' threats to free speech. This was his first show after a brief suspension linked to comments he made about conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel expressed that he never intended to trivialize the situation and defended the importance of speaking out against censorship amid backlash from the FCC chair and local stations. His remarks touched upon both political humor and the nuances of forgiveness in difficult circumstances.

An emotional Jimmy Kimmel has criticised 'anti-American' threats to free speech during his return to late-night US television - following a brief suspension after comments he made about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The comedian said during Tuesday's show - his first since the controversy - that 'it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man'.

Kimmel also compared Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair Brendan Carr to a mob boss, and poked fun at President Donald Trump's appearance at the UN.

However, Tuesday's episode was not viewable in all markets, due to resistance from many local stations affiliated with ABC. It was available on streaming service Hulu + Live TV, owned by Disney - which is also the parent of ABC.

Dozens of local TV stations in the US run by affiliates Nexstar and Sinclair said they would continue to replace Jimmy Kimmel Live! with alternate programming for now. Carr praised their decision in a post on X, stating 'We need to keep empowering local TV stations to serve their communities.'

Kimmel was critical of Carr, who called for his suspension after Kimmel's controversial show last week, claiming that Carr had switched sides on free speech. He also expressed frustration at Trump for calling for his fellow late-night hosts' cancellation, deeming it 'un-American' and 'dangerous'.

This incident has sparked a significant conversation around free speech in media, with Kimmel's colleagues and various organizations supporting him amid the controversy. Despite local pre-emptions, Disney has decided to continue airing the show, emphasizing their commitment to free dialogue.