Jimmy Kimmel returned to late-night television on Tuesday after his show was suspended last week over remarks the comedian made about the assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk
Jimmy Kimmel has made his comeback to late-night television after his show was suspended due to comments he made about the assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk. “I’m happy to be here tonight,” Kimmel announced.
“It’s been overwhelming,” Kimmel admitted during his opening monologue since Disney, ABC’s owner, took his late-night programme off the network last week following pressure from Trump administration officials over his remarks about the shooting of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
“I’ve heard from a lot of people over the last six days, I’ve heard from people all over in the world over the last six days, everyone I have ever met has reached out,” Kimmel said.
Kimmel launches fresh Trump attack
Welcomed back with a roar of applause from the studio audience, Kimmel showed no signs of remorse or apology, instead immediately launching into a series of sketches aimed at the man who forced him off the air – President Donald Trump.
“He’s like Dracula he’s going to keep sucking the life out of us,” Kimmel declared before delivering jokes referencing the ongoing feud between Trump and South Park over the President’s anatomy, being “aroused” by Trump and criticising his stance on free speech, reports the Express.
British comedian Ricky Gervais joined Kimmel after the Trump-focused segment but chose not to join in the attack.
Social media tribute sparks speculation
Tuesday afternoon witnessed Kimmel posting an image of himself alongside late TV writer Norman Lear on his personal Instagram account, penning: “Missing this guy today.”
Lear was a staunch defender of First Amendment rights safeguarding free speech.
ABC’s choice to pull Kimmel’s programme indefinitely last week following his assassination remarks about pro-Trump campaigner Charlie Kirk sparked fury amongst celebrities, politicians and others who saw it as censorship of free expression. Disney, ABC’s parent company, announced Monday that Kimmel’s show would return after “having thoughtful conversations” with the presenter.
Programme marks comeback with heartfelt message
The Jimmy Kimmel Live! Instagram page shared a photo depicting Kimmel hugging show regular Guillermo, accompanied by the words: “We are back full of love.
“Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, who’s not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE,” Trump wrote on Truth Social Tuesday evening.
Key broadcasters maintain blackout
Despite Disney’s move to reinstate Kimmel’s programme, nearly one-third of ABC affiliates will continue refusing to air the show after Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group chose to uphold their boycott of the series.
Kimmel’s show made its return to ABC at 11:35 p. m.
ET Tuesday night. Viewers can also catch the programme through Hulu and Disney+ streaming platforms and watch clips on YouTube.
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