Stars Applaud Jimmy Kimmel’s Return While Trump Threatens Legal Action
Jimmy Kimmel made a much-anticipated return to his late-night show on Tuesday, and the response from Hollywood, media, and politics was overwhelmingly positive.
The host of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” delivered an emotional monologue during his first episode back after ABC temporarily suspended his show following comments about the shooting of Charlie Kirk.
During the monologue, Kimmel thanked his audience and supporters, saying, “I also want to thank all of you. You supported our show, cared enough to do something about it, to make your voices heard so that mine could be heard. I’ll never forget it.”
He also criticized FCC Chair Brendan Carr and former President Donald Trump for restricting free speech, while emphasizing he never meant to make light of the shooting.
Celebrities and public figures quickly shared their support. Actor Ben Stiller praised the return, calling Kimmel’s monologue “brilliant.” TV journalist Don Lemon described it as “fantastic” and said Kimmel had struck the “right tone.”
Lemon added pointed criticism for those cheering Kimmel’s suspension: “All those people who were cheering for him to be fired or suspended, shame on you…you don’t believe in the First Amendment, you don’t believe in freedom of speech, at all.” Author Stephen King also expressed relief on social media, writing, “I’m glad Jimmy Kimmel is back.”
Other notable supporters included Stephen Colbert, who called Kimmel’s return “a moment to celebrate,” and Senator Amy Klobuchar, who posted on social media, “Welcome back Jimmy Kimmel!” California Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted Kimmel’s broader point, quoting him: “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.”
Newsom added, “Exactly. Thank you to everyone but @BrendanCarrFCC. This is a win for free speech everywhere.”
Not everyone welcomed Kimmel’s return, however. Andrew Kolvet, spokesperson for Turning Point USA, criticized Kimmel’s comments on Kirk as “not good enough” and suggested he should have apologized to the Kirk family.
Meanwhile, President Trump expressed his displeasure about Kimmel returning to the air on Truth Social, saying, “I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back…Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his ‘talent’ was never there.” Trump also floated the idea of suing ABC for allowing the show to continue.
Kimmel’s return sparked a mix of celebration and controversy, reflecting the ongoing debates around free speech, late-night television, and political influence in media.
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