Kimmel Makes Emotional Return to ABC With Trump Barbs, Comments on Kirk Controversy

Jimmy Kimmel returned to ABC Tuesday night after a four-day suspension, choking up as he told the audience that it was never his intention “to make light of the murder of a young man” and criticizing the Trump administration for threatening comedians and the press.

“This show is not important. What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this,” Kimmel said. He called President Trump’s attacks on the news media and late-night hosts such as himself “anti-American.”

It was his first show back on air since ABC and parent Disney DIS -1.62%decrease; red down pointing triangle indefinitely pulled “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” last Wednesday for remarks the late-night host made about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel said during his opening monologue that he hadn’t intended to blame any specific group for the...