Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, has formally broken her silence when it comes to the controversial commentary that left Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night series suspended for about a week following the political commentator’s assassination.
In a preview of her new sit-down interview with Jesse Watters, which aired during today’s episode of Fox & Friends, she told the television host that Kimmel’s statement was apparently no sweat off her back and an apology wasn’t necessary.
“If you want to say ‘I’m sorry’ to someone who’s grieving, go right ahead,” she said. “But if that’s not in your heart, don’t do it. I don’t want it. I don’t need it.”
The opinion comes after the Sinclair Broadcast Group—which is the parent company that operates dozens of ABC affiliate stations—reportedly reached out to her following Kimmel’s suspension to ask “how can we make it right,” apparently even offering her the opportunity to appear on the show.
She had her team acknowledge the offer, but told them, “This is not our issue. Not our mess.”
‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ Was Taken Off the Air Over Comments Surrounding the Political Commentator’s Assassination
Jimmy Kimmel Live! was suspended indefinitely following his opening monologue on Sept. 15, where he said, “We had 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 and with everything they can to score political points from it.”
At the time, Sinclair said it would “not lift the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on our stations until formal discussions are held with ABC regarding the network’s commitment to professionalism and accountability” and called on the comedian to apologize to Kirk’s family, as well as for the network to make a donation to them and Kirk’s non-profit organization Turning Point USA.
It Led to a Record Ratings Boost When the Show Ultimately Returned
On Sept. 23, the show returned to record ratings, with the host addressing the controversy surrounding his comments and speaking kindly about the political influencer’s widow. He advocated for the right to free speech, arguing that pulling him and other late-night hosts off-air would be a threat to democracy.
Kirk’s full interview with Watters will air Wednesday evening, Nov. 5, on Jesse Watters Primetime.
Related: Jimmy Kimmel Admits He Used to ‘Pray’ He’d Be Canceled
This story was originally reported by Parade on Nov 4, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
