Comedian Jimmy Kimmel referenced the teachings of Jesus as he applauded Erika Kirk’s remarks during his return to late-night comedy Tuesday, six days after ABC and owner Disney announced his indefinite suspension due to a controversial joke about Trump supporters in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
During a 17-minute monologue opening his ABC show, Kimmel thanked individuals from both the left and the right for supporting him as he criticized the Trump administration for what he said was an infringement on First Amendment rights.
Although Disney suspended Kimmel’s show the same day FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr issued a threat of enforcement against the show—”we can do this the easy way or the hard way,” Carr told a podcast—Disney never explained what sparked its action.
Kimmel expressed regret for the joke that led to the suspension.
“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,” an emotional Kimmel said.
“…I have many friends and family members on the other side who I love 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 believed violence was a solution, and it isn’t.”
In the final moments of his monologue, he cited Christ.
Kimmel: “Erica Kirk forgave the man who shot her husband. If you believe in the teachings of Jesus, as I do, there it was. A selfless act of grace from a grieving widow. It touched me deeply.”
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“There was a moment over the weekend—a very beautiful moment. Erika Kirk forgave the man who shot her husband. She forgave him. That is an example we should follow,” Kimmel said, again overcome with emotion. “If you believe in the teachings of Jesus, as I do, there it was. That’s it—a selfless act of grace, forgiveness from a grieving widow. It touched me deeply, and I hope it touches many. If there’s anything we should take from this tragedy to carry forward, I hope it can be that, not this.”
Kimmel’s monologue was a mixture of gratitude, humor, and serious comments about free speech. He thanked conservative leaders and commentators such as Ben Shapiro, Clay Travis, Candace Owens, and GOP senators Mitch McConnell, Rand Paul, and Ted Cruz for backing him and expressing concern about federal government overreach.
“I’ve had the opportunity to meet and spend time with comedians and talk show hosts from countries like Russia, countries in the Middle East, who told me they would get thrown in prison for making fun of those in power — and worse than being thrown in prison. They know how lucky we are here,” Kimmel said. “Our freedom to speak is what they admire most about this country.”
Government interference in free speech, he said, is “not legal.”
“That’s not American.