The comedian had been suspended indefinitely in the wake of criticism over his comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk
US late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel returned to the airways last night to a rapturous reception from his live studio audience and appeared emotional as he paid tribute to those who had reached out to support him, including Patrick Kielty.
The comedian had been suspended indefinitely in the wake of criticism over his comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. In a monologue after Mr Kirk’s death, Kimmel said “many in Maga land are working very hard to capitalise on the murder of Charlie Kirk” and that “the Maga gang” was “desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them”
Returning to his usual slot on Tuesday night, the 57-year-old said he had heard from ‘everyone in the world’ following his removal from TV but paid special tribute to his ‘fellow late-night talkshow hosts’ across the world who had reached out.
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He said: “I heard from late-night talk show hosts in other countries, in Ireland”, referring to RTE’s The Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty, who opened his show last week by sending a message of support to Kimmel.
Co Down native Kielty said: “Hey Jimmy, it’s Patrick Kielty saying a big hello from Studio 4 of RTÉ here in Dublin, Ireland, home to the Late Late Show for over 60 years.
“Now, during that time, there have, of course, been many in power who have wanted our show off the air, and yet our bosses have never considered shutting us down.
“Tonight, we’re extending the hand of free speech and friendship to let you know that you’re always welcome here.
“So if you ever need a studio or a desk or an audience or a band, we’re here for you.
“And most importantly of all, Jimmy, this is Ireland, so we can promise you can say whatever the f**k you want,” he finished, which was met with loud applause from the Late Late Show audience.
After a standing ovation on his return, Kimmel addressed the controversial comments, saying: “It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man.
“I don’t think there’s anything funny about it.”
President Donald Trump was critical of Kimmel’s return even before the programme had gone to air.
Mr Trump said on his Truth Social platform: “I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back.
“The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled! Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his “talent” was never there.
“Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, who’s not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE.”
Kimmel hit back with a couple of jokes at Mr Trump’s expense.
In the early stage of his opening monologue, he referred to the president’s unsubstantiated claim that pregnant women taking paracetamol could lead to autism by saying: “I’m not sure who had a weirder 48 hours – me or the CEO of Tylenol.”
After thanking everyone who had been in touch with him over the last week, Kimmel added: “Maybe, weirdly, most of all I want to thank the people who don’t support my show and what I believe but support my right to share those beliefs anyway – people I never would have imagined.”
He showed a clip from 2022 in which Mr Trump outlines the importance of free speech, followed by an interview from last week in which the president said Kimmel had “no talent and no ratings”, responding: “Tonight I do.”
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