Jimmy Kimmel Faces Backlash Over Remarks on Charlie Kirk

Jimmy Kimmel, the host of “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” is facing criticism from conservatives on social media after he attempted to clarify his comments about the assassination of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA).

During his first show back on Tuesday night, after nearly a week of suspension following the contentious remarks, Kimmel didn’t apologize for his comments that had sparked the show’s pause. He stated, “I’ve heard a lot about what I need to say tonight, and the truth is, I don’t think what I have to say makes a lot of difference. If you like me, you like me; if you don’t, you won’t.” He seemed resigned to the fact that he wouldn’t change anyone’s perspective but felt the need to clarify himself.

Kimmel insisted he was not mocking the assassination, explaining that he had posted a heartfelt message on Instagram dedicated to Kirk’s family on the day of the incident. “I wasn’t going to blame any particular group for their actions either,” he added. “It was a deeply disturbed individual. It was really the opposite of the point I was trying to make, but I understand that it seemed ill-timed.”

However, Kimmel’s attempt to explain his previous comments didn’t sit well with many conservative commentators, particularly those aligned with Kirk.

Andrew Corvette, a close associate of Kirk and executive producer of his show, criticized Kimmel’s remarks as insufficient and even suggested ways for him to properly apologize. Another friend, independent journalist Jacques Posoviek, slammed Kimmel, accusing him of manipulation in his comments. Benny Johnson, the host of “Benny Show” and founder of TPUSA Productions, called Kimmel a “sick liar” over his explanations regarding Kirk’s murder.

Amid the backlash, actor Rob Schneider criticized Kimmel’s so-called “semi-apologies,” asserting that the host once more misled his audience about the assassination. News Chief Investigator Jerry Dunleavy also weighed in, claiming Kimmel had suggested that Kirk’s assassin was conservative while trying to distance the ideologies involved.

Furthermore, actor James Woods denounced Kimmel’s comments, alleging he labeled conservatives as fascists, which, according to Woods, only incited further violence. “You even dare say his name,” he remarked.

Fox News Digital reached out to Disney for their thoughts. Previously, Disney had commented that the production pause was a decision made to avoid further tensions during a sensitive time in the country, noting that some of Kimmel’s remarks seemed inappropriate.