Jimmy Kimmel. Video screenshot

 

In a much-anticipated return to US television, Jimmy Kimmel made a powerful statement, addressing controversy without issuing an apology while targeting his critics, notably US President Donald Trump.

 

Following his suspension by Disney over comments about Charlie Kirk's death, Kimmel expressed his understanding of the public's upset but clarified that his intentions were not to trivialise the tragedy. His defiant stance has set the stage for further confrontations with Trump.

 

Controversial Remarks and Reactions

 

Kimmel encountered backlash after linking a shooting suspect to Trump’s "Maga gang" and comparing Trump’s grief to that of a child’s. On his return, Kimmel reflected on his remarks, stating he never intended to belittle Kirk's murder or blame a specific group. He reiterated his support for Kirk’s family and maintained his stance against Trump despite the recent uproar.

 

Escalating Tensions with Trump

 

Kimmel’s return has intensified the exchange with Trump, who accuses him of being a partisan figure and threatens legal action against ABC, claiming Kimmel's content amounts to "illegal campaign contributions." Trump references a previous legal victory against Disney, highlighting potential financial repercussions for the network.

 

Industry and Public Reactions

 

The suspension sparked a reaction from various quarters, with figures like Ted Cruz and Joe Rogan criticising the government's overreach in media matters. Industry insiders see Kimmel’s return as a strike for free speech, with fellow hosts and commentators lauding his fortitude. Kimmel also took a jab at Disney, expressing dissatisfaction with his suspension but appreciating his reinstatement.

 

Kimmel enlisted Robert De Niro for a comedic take, portraying the FCC as suppressive towards Trump critics, poking further fun at the president. This incident highlights Kimmel's role as a key media figure in challenging Trump, reinforced by experts suggesting his comeback could impact ongoing debates about media freedom.

 

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• Kimmel returned to air without apologising, despite controversy.
• Trump threatens legal action, citing network bias and prior settlements.
• Kimmel's stance reinforces media roles in ongoing free speech debates.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-09-25

 

 

9 minutes ago, webfact said:

On his return, Kimmel reflected on his remarks, stating he never intended to belittle Kirk's murder or blame a specific group.

Because of the syndrome, many dont even recall the things they say when triggered by trump

Crocodile tears, a non-apology and another lie. 

4 minutes ago, angryguy said:

Because of the syndrome, many dont even recall the things they say when triggered by trump

And some are blind…..anyway I throughly enjoyed the show in my view it was very well thought out and professionally done…..Colbert was a hit last night as well.

Contract is up in May ... tick tock ... BYE BYE

Great work, great words Jimmy!!!!

 

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Kimmel’s return has intensified the exchange with Trump, who accuses him of being a partisan figure and threatens legal action against ABC, claiming Kimmel's content amounts to "illegal campaign contributions."

 

He's not wrong.

 

1 minute ago, mushroomdave said:

Great work, great words Jimmy!!!!

 

Colbert had newsom on and did he ever lay into him!!they are having a blast holding the mirror up to the trump followers to sho them how rediclous they are.gotta love that DVR !that’s how I start my day watching Colbert Seth myers and Kimmel as I enjoy my coffee.helps keep me sane!!

1 hour ago, KhunLA said:

Contract is up in May ... tick tock ... BYE BYE

 

After that, and all the views/ratings, I think in May it won't be  "BYE BYE"  but "CHA CHING CHA CHING !!!!!"

 

 

What should he apologize for?

Now that Kimmel has said his piece regarding Charlie Kirk and the suspension, he needs to hammer on the subject of the Epstein files. Nothing gets under Trump’s skin like that these days. Don’t let it get brushed aside

34 minutes ago, mushroomdave said:

After that, and all the views/ratings, I think in May it won't be  "BYE BYE"  but "CHA CHING CHA CHING !!!!!"

 

He's been bleeding money for so long, they were happy they thought they had a reason to fire him.   I guess they didn't read his contract, or thought he'd leave quietly instead of suing them ... oops.

 

His contract ain't getting renewed IMHO

 

I wouldn't be surprised if soros wasn't subsidizing the networks to keep the echo boxes on the air.   They're all done, just a matter of time.   The view is next up termination.

 

 

1 minute ago, sharot724 said:

Now that Kimmel has said his piece regarding Charlie Kirk and the suspension, he needs to hammer on the subject of the Epstein files. Nothing gets under Trump’s skin like that these days. Don’t let it get brushed aside

The dems won another seat in congress now they are strong enough to force the full disclosure of the files.Im sure trump will do his best not to comply popcorn 🍿 at the ready!!

Does Kimmel's being back on just show that the left was lying all along about the Trump Administration restricting "free speech"?

 

1 hour ago, KhunLA said:

Contract is up in May ... tick tock ... BYE BYE

 

I thought the end of contract will be shortly after 3 November 2026

42 minutes ago, sharot724 said:

Now that Kimmel has said his piece regarding Charlie Kirk and the suspension, he needs to hammer on the subject of the Epstein files. Nothing gets under Trump’s skin like that these days. Don’t let it get brushed aside

He won't because it would inflict more damage on his side.

 

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Kimmel enlisted Robert De Niro for a comedic take

…as an idiot stooge duo. 

JD Vance telling the EU to allow more freedom of speech.

Yeah.

Telling a joke is one thing, but just slandering the people who have a different viewpoint is just despicable.  Goodbye to both Kimmel and Colbert within a year.

7 hours ago, Purdey said:

JD Vance telling the EU to allow more freedom of speech.

Yeah.

What a great speech that was.

Another great show last night gotta love my DVR ahh nice way to start my day!

17 minutes ago, Tug said:

Another great show last night gotta love my DVR ahh nice way to start my day!

Nothing like an hour of hate to start the day

Jimmy Kimmel’s ratings bonanza continues

 

Newfound enthusiasm about Jimmy Kimmel’s show is not evaporating after just one monologue.

Kimmel’s Wednesday night follow-up to his Tuesday night comeback show quickly racked up millions of views on YouTube on Thursday morning, indicating that interest in Kimmel’s commentary remains way above normal.

By 10 a.m. ET this morning, the Wednesday night monologue had topped 3.5 million views, enough to rank as one of his most-watched videos of the year on YouTube.

Meanwhile, his emotional Tuesday night monologue was closing in on 20 million views on YouTube. That one already ranks as his most-watched monologue of all time on the platform.

https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/25/media/jimmy-kimmel-abc-ratings-viewers-youtube

 

With Biden there wasn't much comedy value, apart from portraying him as a doddery old fool.With Trump and his acolytes, there is a treasure trove of comedy material, because they have little sense of humor.

7 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

Nothing like an hour of hate to start the day

Awww don’t like being exposed to the light of day hummm???here’s a really simple clue the good guys don’t withhold food from starving children and decide to incinerate it instead.and that’s just one example among many far to many.

5 hours ago, gargamon said:

Jimmy Kimmel’s ratings bonanza continues

 

Newfound enthusiasm about Jimmy Kimmel’s show is not evaporating after just one monologue.

Kimmel’s Wednesday night follow-up to his Tuesday night comeback show quickly racked up millions of views on YouTube on Thursday morning, indicating that interest in Kimmel’s commentary remains way above normal.

By 10 a.m. ET this morning, the Wednesday night monologue had topped 3.5 million views, enough to rank as one of his most-watched videos of the year on YouTube.

Meanwhile, his emotional Tuesday night monologue was closing in on 20 million views on YouTube. That one already ranks as his most-watched monologue of all time on the platform.

https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/25/media/jimmy-kimmel-abc-ratings-viewers-youtube

 

People won't be saying Jimmy Who any longer.

Another "win" for the resident of the Golden white house.

18 hours ago, Purdey said:

JD Vance telling the EU to allow more freedom of speech.

Yeah.

He meant more freedom of speech in the west for pro Putin and neo Nazis. He's not interested in freedom of speech for opponents of dear leader. 

19 hours ago, novacova said:

…as an idiot stooge duo. 

Robert De Niro is an idiot, is he? 

1 minute ago, Jingthing said:

He meant more freedom of speech in the west for pro Putin and neo Nazis. He's not interested in freedom of speech for opponents of dear leader. 

This smartly writen artial covers it. 

 

Democrats to Trump: Stop Jawboning, That's Our Job!

Democrats are vowing to break up media companies that kowtowed to Trump if they take back power.

 

 

So perhaps it should come as no surprise that Democrats are not responding to the Kimmel situation by demanding some new limit on the FCC's ability to regulate speech. They are not vowing that a future Democratic administration would respect the sacrosanct First Amendment rights of private speech. On the contrary, they are promising to punish the victims of the jawboning—the private companies.

Sen. Chris Murphy (D–Conn.) made this explicit during a recent interview on MSNBC.

 

https://reason.com/2025/09/25/democrats-to-trump-stop-jawboning-thats-our-job/