Jimmy Kimmel has criticized anti-American threats to free speech during an emotional return to late-night US television, following a brief suspension after his comments about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Through tears, the comedian stated during Tuesday's comeback show that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man.
Kimmel accused the head of the organization that regulates American TV of mob tactics, and poked fun at President Donald Trump's appearance at the UN, including an escalator mishap.
However, Kimmel's episode was not available to viewers in all markets due to opposition from some local stations affiliated with Kimmel's network ABC.
Those broadcasters, run by Nexstar and Sinclair, reportedly account for about one in five of ABC's local stations. The broadcast was, however, available on Hulu + Live TV, owned by ABC's parent company Disney.
Trump welcomed Kimmel's suspension, criticizing his reinstatement on social media. I can't believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back, Trump wrote.
Kimmel's previous remarks about Kirk's murder stirred uproar, where he said Trump and his allies were 'desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.'
In the latest episode, Kimmel insisted he had no intention of blaming any specific group and expressed understanding for those upset by his comments. He also praised Kirk's widow for her forgiveness of her husband's alleged killer.
Amidst criticism of Trump for calling for the cancellation of fellow late-night shows, Kimmel remarked, Our leader celebrates people losing their livelihoods because he can't take a joke.
In a broader context, Kimmel's remarks reflect ongoing tensions regarding free speech in America, as he joined voices from both Hollywood and government who defend the necessity of open dialogue in a democratic society.
