Jimmy Kimmel is defiant amid suspension Over Charlie Kirk comments. New York Post report Thursday revealed that late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has no intention of apologizing for his controversial remarks about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, despite ABC's decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely.
According to sources close to the production, Kimmel plans to address the backlash in a future episode by explaining the context of his comments and demonstrating how they were misinterpreted, but he explicitly refused to issue an apology.
The report portrays Kimmel as "unrepentant," signaling his determination to continue his satirical attacks on the MAGA movement and President Donald Trump, even as the controversy escalates threats from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and conservative figures. This stance has fueled a broader debate on free speech, media censorship, and the politicization of comedy in the Trump era.
According to the Post report, Kimmel was prepared to address the controversy on the September 17 episode but was preempted by ABC's decision. Sources indicated he intended to clarify that his comments targeted MAGA rhetoric around the shooting, not Kirk himself or his family, and to provide evidence of how conservatives were using the event for political points—such as claims that the left was celebrating Kirk's death.
🚨 WATCH: GREG GUTFELD on Kimmel being suspended: “Even in death, Charlie keeps winning debates. The media is trying to make Jimmy Kimmel into their Charlie Kirk but, as if getting fired is the same as getting fired upon. That’s what disgusts me.” @greggutfeld pic.twitter.com/nuOLr3eDBX
Crucially, Kimmel has no plans to apologize, viewing the backlash as overblown and politically motivated. Insiders described him as ready to "double down" on his anti-MAGA satire upon return, potentially dedicating segments to critiquing Trump's media attacks and FCC overreach.