President Trump responds to Jimmy Kimmel’s return to air
Jimmy Kimmel’s return to broadcast television sparked mixed reactions from fans, Charlie Kirk supporters and politicians.
Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night return to television was monitored by 6.3 million viewers, broadcasting over 26 million viewers across YouTube and social media.
On September 23, the Emmy-winning comedian spoke to ABC’s suspension following a backlash over his comments on the deadly shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 15. After his return, Kimmel’s opening monologue lasted nearly 18 minutes, with some emotion, some humor and some action.
Kimmel choked him down as he said he wasn’t going to shed any light on Kirk’s murder, and emphasized that he must defeat Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Kerr for defending the show’s suspension and protecting freedom of speech.
Some saw the return speech with the host’s admiration, but others, including President Donald Trump, criticized the ABC’s decision to bring his performance and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” return.
Here’s how fans, critics and celebrities responded to Kimmel’s speech:
Social media users praise Jimmy Kimmel’s monologue
Kimmel’s monologue received applause from many people outside the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles on Tuesday night, with social media posts being called “Moving,” “Historic,” and “Must-see.”
Others called Jimmy Kimmel’s apology are “fake screams”
Among those critical of the speech was the president’s son, Donald Trump Jr. Donald Trump Jr. accused Kimmel of refusing to call the suspect a leftist in Kirk’s murder.
TV host Piers Morgan said Kimmel was crying “crocodile tears” after Kimmel stopped him for comments about Kirk. Podcaster Megin Kelly, who lost the NBC show after comments about the “Blackface” Halloween costume, rejected Kimmel’s “self-sympathy.”
And during Trump’s first term, White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Kimmel had not apologized for his comments on Kirk.
Ben Stiller, more celebrities respond to Jimmy Kimmel’s monologue
Before returning to midnight, more than 400 celebrities signed an open letter from the American Civil Liberties Union showing support for Kimmel after the suspension.
Following Kimmel’s monologue, stars like “retirement” executive producer Ben Stiller and “It” author Stephen King commented on Kimmel’s return.
Meanwhile, others in the industry had mixed reviews about Kimmel’s return and his monologue.
Voice Trump supporter Rob Schneider, who spoke about Kimmel’s suspension last week, denounced the host of the late-night talk show, saying in a monologue on Tuesday, “I lied again.”
Contributed by: Bad Janssen, USA Today
