Late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel made his much-publicized return to television on Tuesday night following a brief suspension—but not everyone was tuning in. In a move that speaks volumes, 66 ABC affiliate stations owned by Sinclair and Nexstar opted not to air Kimmel’s return, sending a clear message: gaslighting the American public and refusing to take accountability for smearing millions of conservatives doesn’t fly anymore.

Kimmel’s absence stemmed from a deeply irresponsible and false statement he made, claiming that Charlie Kirk’s assassin was affiliated with the MAGA movement. That assertion was not only untrue—it was inflammatory, and it poured gasoline on an already raw and emotional national moment.

Many expected his return to include a sincere apology and an honest reckoning with the consequences of his words. What viewers got instead was a weak, carefully scripted monologue aimed more at damage control than redemption.

“It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man… For those who think I did point a finger, I get why you’re upset…” Kimmel said. He continued, “I don’t think the murderer who shot Charlie Kirk represents ANYONE.”

This attempted deflection fell flat with viewers and commentators alike. Conservative analyst Scott Jennings called it what it was: a non-apology. Kimmel tried to walk back his remarks without actually admitting wrongdoing, claiming people simply misunderstood him. According to him, MAGA supporters were upset not because he lied, but because they “heard his words wrong.”

“You used the phrase “MAGA gang” & then lied about what happened,” tweeted Jennings. “You definitely intended to make light of it and mislead the American people. Pathetic.”

You used the phrase “MAGA gang” & then lied about what happened. You definitely intended to make light of it and mislead the American people. Pathetic. https://t.co/lxVbyCNVUp

— Scott Jennings (@ScottJenningsKY) September 24, 2025

That’s a bold claim, considering his previous monologue stated:

“We hit some new lows over the weekend, with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them…”

No amount of PR spin or late-night charm can erase what was said on national television. Kimmel did point the finger. He did label a murderer as part of the MAGA movement. And now, rather than offering a simple, honest apology, he’s suggesting that the blame lies with the people he falsely accused—for not “getting” what he meant.

To no one’s surprise, left-wing media outlets quickly jumped in to praise Kimmel’s performance, calling it “measured” and “thoughtful.” But conservatives aren’t buying it—and neither are many local broadcasters. The fact that dozens of ABC affiliates refused to air his return proves that pressure from viewers and advertisers is having an impact.

Social media was also flooded with reactions from users calling out Kimmel’s evasive tactics. Many accused him of rewriting history, with one viral post reading: “He tried to lie to cover the lie. We heard him the first time.” Others pointed out the obvious omission: there was no “I’m sorry” anywhere in the monologue.

Kimmel admitted he didn’t expect to change anyone’s mind with what he had to say. He was right. If anything, his refusal to take real responsibility only cemented the belief among many conservatives that Hollywood elites like Kimmel live in a bubble—one where they can smear half the country and then call it a “miscommunication.”

The key question now is whether local affiliates, particularly those in red states, will bow to the inevitable pressure from viewers and advertisers demanding higher standards—or whether they’ll fall back in line with Disney and the corporate left. Given the continuing backlash and the clear lack of a genuine apology, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Kimmel’s reach shrink even further in the weeks to come.