The world of late-night television was thrown into chaos this week as Jimmy Kimmel made his return to ABC following a brief suspension over controversial remarks regarding the assassination of MAGA influencer Charlie Kirk in Utah.
While Kimmel’s emotional monologue attempted to justify his comments as free speech, critics—including Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy—have hit back, insisting the comedian was rightly held accountable for mocking Kirk before his body was even cold.
Kimmel’s Tearful Monologue Stirs Debate
On Tuesday night, Kimmel addressed viewers with a 20-minute tearful monologue.
He claimed he “never intended to make light of” Kirk’s death while also criticizing former President Donald Trump for threatening to “silence” him.
Kimmel acknowledged the risk his employer, Disney, took by reinstating him, saying, “Unfortunately, and I think unjustly, this puts them at risk.
The president of the United States made it very clear he wants to see me and the hundreds of people who work here fired from their job.”
Despite the emotion, Kimmel did not offer a direct apology for the remarks about Kirk, instead framing the controversy as an issue of free speech.
Portnoy Slams Kimmel Over ‘Free Speech’ Defense
Dave Portnoy reacted sharply to Kimmel’s return, calling him a “joke” for justifying his comments as a free speech matter. Writing on X, Portnoy stressed that Kimmel faced the consequences of working for a corporate employer while offending countless people:
“If Kimmel came on and apologized the day after his remarks, he probably wouldn’t have been suspended.
But by all accounts, he wanted to double down. Again, this isn’t a free speech issue.
He works for Mickey Mouse on NETWORK TV… When you work for somebody else and you offend a ton of people, you deal with the consequences. Him framing this as free speech is a joke.”
Portnoy highlighted the insensitivity of Kimmel’s joke, noting it came before Kirk’s funeral and caused pain to those who knew him.
Controversy Over the Shooter’s Alleged Political Affiliation
Part of the outrage stems from Kimmel’s insinuation that the shooter, Tyler Robinson, held conservative views, despite investigators confirming he leaned far-left and was in a relationship with his transgender roommate.
Kimmel claimed that the “MAGA gang” was attempting to gain political points from Kirk’s death—a claim many critics say was misleading and inflammatory.
“I have no illusions about changing anyone’s mind, but it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man,”
Kimmel said during his return. “I don’t think there’s anything funny about it.”
Trump and Conservative Voices Respond
Conservative critics were quick to respond. Trump led the charge on Truth Social, questioning why ABC reinstated Kimmel despite what he described as poor performance and pro-Democrat bias.
Former Kirk co-host Andrew Kolvet called for a proper apology, urging Kimmel to acknowledge the shooter’s left-leaning ideology and apologize directly to Kirk’s family.
Hollywood Rallies Behind Kimmel
Meanwhile, Kimmel found support in Hollywood. Actors and media personalities praised his monologue as thoughtful and well-delivered.
Ben Stiller called it a “brilliant monologue,” while Jon Favreau recommended viewers tune in even if they disliked Kimmel.
Keith Olbermann added, “This from Kimmel is the best apology I’ve ever seen,” highlighting the stark divide between public backlash and industry support.
The Fallout Continues
While Kimmel’s return may mark the end of his suspension, the debate over free speech, corporate accountability, and sensitivity toward recent tragedies remains unresolved.
For viewers and critics alike, the conversation over the limits of late-night commentary is far from over.