After A Tearful Monologue, Inside Source Reveals Jimmy Kimmel’s Staff Threatened To Walk Out
Jimmy Kimmel has returned to hosting his late-night show after being off the air for almost a week. The show was temporarily pulled after Kimmel made controversial remarks about the assassination of political commentator Charlie Kirk.
When the program came back, the live studio audience gave Kimmel a warm welcome, but behind the scenes, the staff had been tense and unsure of what he would say. Some employees even worried he might apologize, which they felt would be a betrayal, while others believed his return was a sign of respect for everyone who depends on the show for their livelihood.
On September 23, Kimmel opened the show with a serious monologue about the controversy. He said he never meant to make light of Kirk’s death and emphasized that the person who killed him was acting alone and did not represent any group. He also praised Kirk’s widow, Erika, for her forgiveness, saying her response was an example others could learn from.
Kimmel had previously joked about President Trump’s reaction to Kirk’s death, and his comments were labeled offensive by Nexstar, one of the broadcasting groups. The Federal Communications Commission, under Trump’s administration, reportedly pushed for the show to be suspended. During his comeback episode, Kimmel mocked the FCC with a comedy sketch featuring Robert De Niro.
The comedian kept his monologue secret even from his staff, who feared he might cave to pressure. Instead of apologizing, he admitted his comments may have been poorly timed but insisted he wasn’t mocking Kirk or his assassination. He told viewers that he didn’t expect his words to change anyone’s mind, saying, “If you like me, you like me. If you don’t, you don’t.”
The suspension of the show had sparked a major backlash. Many celebrities and fans criticized Disney, which owns ABC, for bowing to political pressure. Some, like actress Cynthia Nixon, even canceled their Disney subscriptions in protest, while singers and actors including Olivia Rodrigo, Mark Ruffalo, and Marisa Tomei also voiced support for Kimmel.
Although Disney eventually allowed the show to resume, some local stations chose not to air it. Despite this, Kimmel’s return highlighted the ongoing debate about free speech, politics, and comedy in America. Many people online expressed sympathy for him, saying he was being unfairly targeted by the media and political groups.
