American comedian Jimmy Kimmel resumed his show, addressing the controversy surrounding his comments on Charlie Kirk’s death and the autism debate in the US.
First Appearance After Suspension
Kimmel, opening the show, emphasized that the past few days had been exceptionally tough for him. He thanked viewers and fellow comedians for their support.
“I’m glad to be here today with you,” he said, sparking even greater applause.
Addressing the Autism Debate and Controversy
Kimmel humorously referenced the heated discussion on autism causes in the US, joking that he didn’t know who had a tougher 48 hours – he or the CEO of Tylenol.
Response to Criticism and Explanation
The most emotional part of his address was his reference to Charlie Kirk’s death. Kimmel stressed that he never intended to downplay the tragedy or blame a specific group.
“It was never my intention to trivialize the murder of a young man,” he said, through tears.
Kimmel cited Erika Kirk’s words at her husband’s funeral, where she spoke of forgiving the perpetrator, calling her stance an example of extraordinary courage.
