Kimmel Returns to Late-Night With Tearful Message For Erika Kirk

ByP

Jimmy Kimmel returned to ABC late night on Tuesday after nearly a week off the air, addressing the controversy that led to his show’s suspension. The uproar stemmed from remarks some felt made light of Charlie Kirk’s assassination.

Kimmel opened the broadcast by clarifying his intentions, stressing that he never meant to trivialize Kirk’s murder or target any group with blame.

He acknowledged that his earlier comments had been seen as poorly timed or unclear, saying he understood why some viewers were upset. If roles were reversed, he admitted, he might have reacted the same way.

Turning emotional, Kimmel spoke about Kirk’s widow, Erika, who recently forgave the man accused of killing her husband.

Calling her gesture “a selfless act of grace,” he described her forgiveness as a powerful example of living by Christian teachings.

Kimmel said the moment deeply moved him and expressed hope that others would carry forward that spirit of compassion.

Ultimately, he told viewers he had no illusions about changing minds but wanted to make his stance clear: his words were never intended to mock tragedy, but the pain they caused was something he regretted.