'We have to speak out,' Jimmy Kimmel says in his late night return

""I've been hearing a lot about what I need to say and do tonight," he said. "And the truth is, I don't think what I have to say is going to make much of a difference — I have no illusions about changing anyone's mind." Kimmel said, however, that he wanted to make one thing clear: "It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man.""

""I can't believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back," Trump wrote. "The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled! Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his 'talent' was never there. Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, who's not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE.""

"He said he meant it when he posted a message on Instagram sending love to Kirk's family after he was killed. "This show isn't important — what's important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this," he said. The comedian acknowledged that bringing his show back on the air puts Disney at risk, because, he said, the president "can't take a joke." "We have to speak out against it.""

Jimmy Kimmel returned to his late-night show after nearly a week away and opened to a standing ovation. He choked up while addressing the family of Charlie Kirk, apologized, and said he never intended to make light of the murder. He said he had posted a message on Instagram sending love to Kirk's family and that he understood why people were upset. He warned about threats to free speech and argued that the show's existence depends on living in a country that permits such expression. President Trump criticized ABC and Kimmel on Truth Social and hinted at legal action.

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