Kimmel Returns to TV, Faces Conservative Backlash

LOS ANGELES — Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel faced sharp criticism from conservatives Tuesday after addressing controversial remarks about the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, refusing to issue a formal apology during his first "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" episode since Disney lifted his suspension.

Kimmel, returning to air after nearly a week off, addressed the uproar over his comments, which had falsely suggested the alleged assassin was a MAGA supporter. "I don’t think what I have to say is going to make much of a difference," Kimmel said. "It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man or to blame any specific group. It was a deeply disturbed individual."

The host, visibly emotional, referenced an Instagram post sending condolences to Kirk’s family but acknowledged that some found his remarks "ill-timed or unclear." He added, "This was a sick person who believed violence was a solution, and it isn’t, ever."

Kimmel’s initial comments last Monday claimed conservatives were "desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them." The remarks prompted Disney to suspend the show, citing their insensitivity amid a tense national moment.

Conservative figures, particularly those close to Kirk, rejected Kimmel’s clarification. Andrew Kolvet, executive producer of Kirk’s show, called the remarks "not good enough," urging a proper apology. Independent journalist Jack Posobiec accused Kimmel of "fake crying" and manipulation. Benny Johnson, TPUSA Productions founder, labeled Kimmel a "sick liar."

Actor Rob Schneider, in a fiery X post, blasted Kimmel’s "semi-apology," alleging the host’s "dangerous leftist rhetoric" inspires violence. "You falsely accused MAGA and Republicans of this murder, when it was another murderous leftist lunatic," Schneider wrote.

Jerry Dunleavy, chief investigative correspondent for Just the News, claimed Kimmel deliberately mischaracterized the assassin as conservative and is now backtracking. Actor James Woods condemned Kimmel for labeling conservatives as fascists, stating, "Somebody believed you enough to kill a man better than you’ll ever be."

Disney, which reinstated the show after discussions with Kimmel, previously cited the need to avoid inflaming tensions with the suspension.

---REAL AMERICA'S VOICE

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