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Jimmy Kimmel made his return to ABC on Tuesday night after serving a brief suspension, delivering a monologue that many viewers had been eagerly awaiting. While his comments about Donald Trump grabbed headlines, Kimmel also shared a genuinely moving moment regarding Erika Kirk.
During his September 23 monologue, Kimmel became visibly emotional several times. One particularly poignant moment came when he praised Charlie Kirk’s widow Erika for forgiving Tyler James Robinson, the man accused of killing her husband.
The host tried to connect with Kirk’s supporters through their shared Christian faith.
Kimmel, fighting back tears, noted that Erika’s capacity for forgiveness sets an “example” for everyone. He also revealed a personal connection to Kirk’s situation, sharing that he regularly receives death threats himself – a sobering revelation that added context to his emotional response.
Kimmel Highlights Erika Kirk’s Forgiveness
“If you believe in the teachings of Jesus as I do, there it was. That’s it, a selfless act of grace, forgiveness from a grieving widow, that touched me deeply. And I hope it touches many and if there’s anything we should take from this tragedy to carry forward, I hope it can be that and not this,” Kimmel said.
You can watch Kimmel’s comments below — the video has been set up to begin playing at the moment he begins speaking about Kirk’s widow.
Beyond his tribute to Erika Kirk and criticism of Trump, Kimmel didn’t hold back on FCC chairman Brendan Carr. He also expressed gratitude to everyone who reached out with support during his suspension.
“Maybe most of all, I want to thank the people who don’t support my show and what I believe but support my right to share those beliefs anyway,” he added.
Kimmel’s show continues tonight, September 24, featuring guests Ethan Hawke, Lisa Ann Walter, and musical performance by YUNGBLUD.
