Days after Jimmy Kimmel's show was pulled by ABC over an 'insensitive' remark about conservative activist Charlie Kirk's murder, the host returned to TV
with Disney bringing back the late-night show. In the first episode since the controversy, Kimmel became emotional as he issued a clarification regarding his statement. Jimmy Kimmel Issues Clarification On Controversy In his opening monologue, he reportedly said, "I don’t think what I say is going to make much of a difference. If you like me, you like me, if you don’t you don’t. I have no illusions about changing anyone's mind. But I do want to make something clear because it's important to me as a human." "And that is you understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. I don't think there's anything funny about it. I posted a message on Instagram on the day he was killed, sending love to his family and asking for compassion and I meant it. I still do. Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what a deeply disturbed individual," Kimmel added. Jimmy Kimmel On Charlie Kirk Death He was seen getting teary-eyed as he continued, "That was really the opposite of the point I was trying to make. But, I understand that to some it felt either ill-timed or unclear or maybe both. For those who think I did point a finger, I get why you're upset. If the situation was reversed, there's a good chance I would've felt the same way. I have many friends and family members on the other side, whom I would and remain close to, even though we don't agree on politics at all. I don't think the murderer who shot Charlie Kirk represents anyone. This was a sick person who believes violence was a solution, and it's not, ever." Meanwhile, local TV stations, including those owned by Sinclair and Nexstar, have refused to air Jimmy Kimmel Live! even after his suspension was lifted.
