Jimmy Kimmel Returns to Late Night with a Tearful Monologue Defending Free Speech

What began as a late-night suspension over a few charged words has now spiraled into a test of principle, power, and public trust, with the late-night TV host's tearful monologue placing the nation's anxieties about grief, free speech, and accountability squarely under the studio lights.

A visibly shaken and deeply emotional Jimmy Kimmel returned to his show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, after ABC suspended the show for six days — a move that had rocked Hollywood and set the internet ablaze.

Facing a nation gripped by grief and controversy, Kimmel opened the show with tears in his eyes and his heart on his sleeve, delivering a raw and soul-baring monologue that addressed head-on the outrage surrounding his earlier remarks about the shocking murder of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

"It's uh it's been overwhelming. I've heard from a lot of people over the last six days […] Everyone I have ever met has reached out 10 or 11 times. I want to thank everyone who checked in," Kimmel told viewers, his voice catching as he described the avalanche of responses he received in recent days.

Kimmel Fights Back Tears as He Sets the Record Straight and Defends Free Speech

Standing beneath the glare of studio lights — but carrying the weight of national scrutiny — Kimmel made an impassioned plea for understanding, firmly rejecting claims that he had mocked Kirk's death or incited division. He said:

"I do want to make something clear because it's important to me as a human. And that is, you understand that 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."

He continued, "I posted a message on Instagram of the day he was killed, sending love to his family and asking for compassion, and I meant it and I still do. Uh, nor was it my intention to blame any specific group […] it was obviously a deeply disturbed individual."

Choking back emotion, Kimmel underscored that the killer's actions were not political, but personal and tragic, saying, "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 ever."

In one of the most potent and patriotic moments of the night, the comedian's voice cracked as he defended America's most sacred right: freedom of expression.

"This show is not important. What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this," he said, pausing as the audience applauded, adding:

"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 tell 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."

In a moment of stark clarity, Kimmel revealed how his own perspective had shifted amid the chaos.

"Our freedom to speak is what they admire most about this country," he added. "That's something I'm embarrassed to say I took for granted until they pulled my friend Stephen off the air and tried to coerce the affiliates who run our show in the cities that you live in to take my show off the air. That's not legal. That's not American. That is un-American, and it is so dangerous."

Fans Rally Behind Kimmel – While Critics Cry 'Fake Tear'

Kimmel's return sparked a wave of emotional and fiery reactions across social media, with supporters praising his courage and critics dismissing his sincerity.

"An incredible and patriotic speech, Jimmy Kimmel is a true inspiration," one viewer gushed, while another admitted, "Jimmy was awesome & I got choked up right along with him. He was so honest & sincere with his monologue. I'm so very happy he's back on! I'm team Jimmy!!😍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻."

But not everyone bought it. A critic scoffed, "Oh my gosh a fake tear [sic]😢" Still, the wave of support was undeniable, with one fan saying, "Amazing monologues so far!!!!" Another added, "And he didn't disappoint 🔥."

Supporters highlighted his remarks about liberty, with one person noting, "I'm watching now!!! Jimmy is doing a great job! He's made MANY valid points regarding "Freedom" os [sic] Speech ❤️," while another commented, "You made me cry of happiness Jimmy! Thank you so much for defending our democracy [sic]."

Some viewers called the speech "Iconic," while one reflected on the emotional mix of the night, "I teared up 🥺 happiness and disgust combined.. congrats on your return 🥂 this was heartfelt❤️ many more Blessings to you /yours and all of the employees' families, as well 🙏🏽"

Disney Breaks Its Silence as Kimmel's Monologue Fuels a National Reckoning

Kimmel's tearful return wasn't just a comeback — it was a cultural flashpoint. His monologue threw gasoline on an already raging fire as ABC, Disney, and major broadcast networks scrambled to manage the fallout.

On Monday, September 22, 2025, ABC and its parent company, The Walt Disney Company, moved forward, insisting that the suspension of Kimmel's show was never meant to be permanent.

In a rare and carefully worded statement released that Monday, Disney announced that the decision to suspend "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" was driven by concerns that airing the show could exacerbate an already tense national climate. "It is a decision we made because we felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive," the company explained.

Disney also stated that the halt provided an opportunity for difficult internal conversations with the embattled host, writing, "We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday."

The sudden move marked a dramatic reversal from Disney's previous stance to suspend the show indefinitely. This declaration sent shockwaves through Hollywood and drew immediate condemnation from powerful industry unions representing TV writers and entertainment workers.

'Inappropriate and Deeply Insensitive': Broadcasters Revolt

Even as Kimmel prepared to return to the airwaves, not all stations welcomed him back. In a stunning rebuke, Sinclair Broadcast Group, one of the nation's largest operators of ABC affiliates, announced it will not air the show.

The broadcast group controls a massive swath of ABC stations in major cities, including Baltimore, Seattle, Nashville, Austin, Salt Lake City, and many more.

On September 17, 2025, Sinclair Vice Chairman Jason Smith made his position crystal clear. "Mr. Kimmel's remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country. We believe broadcasters have a responsibility to educate and elevate respectful, constructive dialogue in our communities," he said.

Smith even urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to step in and curb the power of national networks over local programming.

Nexstar, another broadcasting titan, followed suit with its own forceful condemnation. The company's president, Andrew Alford, described Kimmel's remarks about Kirk's death as offensive and poorly timed, arguing that they failed to reflect the values or viewpoints of the local communities the company serves.

Alford doubled down, emphasizing Nexstar's responsibility to the public, "Continuing to give Mr. Kimmel a broadcast platform in the communities we serve is simply not in the public interest at the current time, and we have made the difficult decision to preempt his show in an effort to let cooler heads prevail as we move toward the resumption of respectful, constructive dialogue."

Behind the Curtain: Was a Deal Struck?

Yet amid the chaos, speculation continued to swirl around the actual cost of Jimmy Kimmel's return. Did Disney cut a deal to soften his famously biting commentary? A source told Deadline that's not the case. "Jimmy will say what Jimmy wants to say," the insider claimed, suggesting the host's creative control remains intact.

The TV show host's return was never just about reclaiming his late-night desk — it became a litmus test for how America wrestles with grief, free expression, and the immense power of media institutions. Whether seen as a heartfelt defense of principle or dismissed as performative contrition, his monologue has ensured the debate will outlive the headlines.