Jimmy Kimmel returned to his late-night show Tuesday, but his attempt to clarify remarks about the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk only fueled more backlash.
The host grew emotional as he told viewers it was never his intention to “make light of the murder of a young man.” He said he had shared condolences with Kirk’s family on Instagram and stressed the killing was the act of “a deeply disturbed individual,” not a political movement.
Kimmel admitted his earlier words may have been “ill-timed” or “unclear” but denied trying to assign blame. “If the situation was reversed, there’s a good chance I would have felt the same way,” he said.
His clarification didn’t sit well with Kirk’s friends and allies. Andrew Kolvet called it “not good enough.” Jack Posobiec blasted Kimmel for “fake crying.” Benny Johnson labeled him a “sick liar.”
Actor Rob Schneider accused the host of “lying again” and argued his rhetoric contributed to violence. Just the News’ Jerry Dunleavy said Kimmel was covering his tracks after insinuating the shooter was conservative.
Actor James Woods also lashed out, saying Kimmel had smeared conservatives as fascists “until somebody believed you enough to kill a man better than you’ll ever be.”
Disney previously explained Kimmel’s brief suspension was meant to cool tensions, but his return has reignited debate over rhetoric, blame, and responsibility.