Jimmy Kimmel returned to Jimmy Kimmel Live! Tuesday night, addressing the controversy that led to his show’s suspension. He firmly stated that it was never his intention to downplay or mock the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Opening the show to a standing ovation, Kimmel expressed gratitude to both liberal and conservative figures—including Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, Sen. Ted Cruz, and Clay Travis—for their support during his week-long absence. While he didn’t offer a direct apology, Kimmel said he understood why some viewers were upset.

“It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man,” he said. “Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group. This was a sick individual who believed violence was a solution—and it isn’t ever.”

Kimmel acknowledged the emotional weight of the situation, recalling how deeply he was moved by Erika Kirk’s forgiveness of her husband’s alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, who had previously expressed hostility toward Kirk’s politics. He also criticized ABC’s decision to suspend him. “I was not happy when they pulled me off the air,” he admitted, though he said he respected the network’s platform and their conversations about the fallout.

Kimmel ended on a solemn note, highlighting Erika Kirk’s act of grace. “That is an example we should follow,” he said tearfully, calling her forgiveness a powerful message of faith and humanity amid tragedy.