Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel expressed gratitude towards some conservative figures on Tuesday after making his return to television following a brief suspension.
“Above all, I want to acknowledge those who disagree with my show and my beliefs but still uphold the right to express their views,” Kimmel shared with his audience.
“People like Ben Shapiro, Clay Travis, and Candice Owens—names I never thought I’d mention together—plus Senators Mitch McConnell, Rand Paul, and old friend Ted Cruz, they might not agree with me, but I think they understand the importance of free speech,” he added.
Cruz had spoken out against Kimmel’s temporary ousting, raising concerns about potential limitations on free speech in the future.
“Yeah, it may seem satisfying to threaten Jimmy Kimmel now, but just wait until that gets used to silence all conservatives in America,” the senator remarked during his podcast, mentioning some backlash he received from President Trump.
Kimmel then addressed Cruz, saying, “I don’t think I’ve ever said this, but Ted Cruz is right. This does impact all of us, including him.”
“I find myself at odds with many on a variety of topics, but I admire their willingness to challenge this administration,” he continued. “They deserve recognition for that.”
This exchange follows Trump’s criticism of ABC’s decision to allow Kimmel back on air, suggesting potential legal action.
During his show on Tuesday night, Kimmel apologized for a joke he made related to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, seeking to clarify his previous comments about the incident’s circumstances.
“I really want to stress something that matters to me personally. I never meant to belittle the loss of a young life,” he stated.
“I don’t find anything amusing about that situation,” he emphasized. “I even posted a message on Instagram the day he died expressing love for his family and compassion overall.”
Kimmel stated, “I never intended to blame any particular group for what happened. It was a deeply troubled individual.”
ABC had taken action regarding his comments about the shooting after Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Kerr urged a response.
Nexstar Media Group, which owns The Hill, initially cut programming. Sinclair Broadcasting and Nexstar, which operate numerous local ABC affiliates, decided against airing Kimmel’s return on Tuesday.
With support from fellow late-night hosts and various celebrities, Kimmel acknowledged that his comedic approach may have seemed “inopportune.”
“If I had to do it over, I’d probably feel the same way,” he told his audience. “Even if I don’t agree with their politics, I love and care for many people who are close to me.”
“I don’t think any of those who killed Charlie Kirk reflect my loved ones. This was a deranged individual who thought violence was the answer, and it absolutely isn’t,” he concluded.
