jimmy kimmel returns suspension Charlie Kirk.

ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel returned to his show following a nearly one-week suspension with an emotional monologue but without apologies. He said that he was never trying to make light of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death, and paid tribute to his widow Erika for publicly forgiving her husband’s assassin. But he thanked people who stood up for him and for free speech, even people like Texas Sen. Ted Cruz who don’t like his comedy but defended his right to speak. Millions of people watched the climax of an episode that put him at odds with President Donald Trump’s supporters and tested the bounds of free speech.

ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” is set to return to the air, with millions of people expected to watch to see how he addresses his nearly weeklong suspension. Another mystery is how many ABC affiliates will actually carry his return Tuesday. Kimmel’s suspension by ABC following remarks about the aftermath of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death triggered a national discussion about freedom of speech and President Donald Trump’s ability to police the words of journalists, commentators and even comics. The return reportedly came after negotiations between Kimmel and executives for ABC and its parent company, Walt Disney. ABC said Kimmel would return after the network had “thoughtful conversations” with the host.