Kimmel apologizes for Kirk comments; Trump fumes at return

Late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel on Tuesday night tearfully apologized for his comments on the death of Charlie Kirk. He said he never intended to make light of the murder or blame a specific group for the actions of the suspect, who he called a deeply disturbed individual. He praised Kirk’s wife for forgiving the killer. He apologized during the stand-up portion of his first show to air after Jimmy Kimmel Live! was temporarily suspended.

Kimmel also blasted Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr for threatening to pull the American Broadcasting Corporation’s license due to his comments. He thanked those who supported his right to free speech, including conservatives like Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who don’t like his show but disagreed with Carr’s approach.

Despite the show resuming production, two media groups on Tuesday said they planned not to broadcast it, for now.

How did President Donald Trump respond to Kimmel’s return? Trump on Tuesday night indicated that he might sue ABC for allegedly allowing Kimmel’s show to illegally campaign as an arm of the Democratic Party. He also expressed surprise at the late-night host’s reinstatement, as ABC previously told the White House that the show was canceled, he said.

Dig deeper: Read my report on the comments that originally got Kimmel suspended.