Overview
- Kimmel joked that he owed the award to "our president, Donald Jennifer Trump," thanking him for the "many ridiculous things" he does each day.
- He credited writers, actors and unions for rallying to his defense, casting the dust‑up as a reminder not to take free expression for granted.
- ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! on September 17 after his Charlie Kirk monologue, following complaints from Nexstar and Sinclair and a public enforcement threat from FCC Chair Brendan Carr, before restoring the show six days later.
- Kimmel teased, "we can’t wait to get back on the air tomorrow night," with the show returning from its holiday break on Monday, Jan. 5.
- The controversy delivered a ratings surge on his return and, per Variety, the show secured a Disney extension keeping it on air through 2027.