Jimmy Kimmel returns to ABC with warnings of ‘anti-American’ censorship as Trump threatens to sue

Jimmy Kimmel returned to Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday night with a defiant monologue, describing efforts to silence comedians as “anti American” and warning against government intimidation of entertainers. The episode marked his first broadcast since ABC suspended the late-night show last week under pressure from Trump allies.

“This show is not important,” Kimmel told viewers. “What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this.” Fighting back tears, he said he never intended to make light of the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and stressed that his Sept. 15 remarks were “ill-timed or unclear, or maybe both.” He added: “Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what was obviously a deeply disturbed individual.”

Kimmel thanked fellow comedians, Hollywood unions, and even some Republicans who defended his right to speak. “Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he can’t take a joke,” Kimmel said of Trump, noting that the president has also called for NBC to fire Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon.

The return followed days of protests, celebrity backlash, and an open letter signed by more than 400 stars including Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, and Jennifer Aniston condemning Disney’s suspension. The ACLU called it “a dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation.”

Sinclair and Nexstar, two of the largest owners of ABC affiliates, announced they will continue to block Jimmy Kimmel Live! from airing in dozens of markets until the comedian apologises. That means nearly a quarter of ABC stations — including those in Washington, D.C. — will not carry the program, though episodes remain available on Hulu and Disney+.

Hours before Kimmel’s return, Trump lashed out on Truth Social, calling him “another arm of the DNC” and hinting at possible legal action against ABC. “I think we’re going to test ABC out on this,” Trump wrote, referencing a $16 million settlement he previously reached with the network.

Kimmel closed his monologue by citing Erika Kirk, who forgave her husband’s killer at his memorial service. “That is an example we should follow,” he said. “If there’s anything we should take from this tragedy, I hope it can be that, not this.”