Jimmy Kimmel made a return to television on Tuesday night and opted against issuing an apology for the comments that led to the suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Kimmel was removed from television after making insensitive comments about the assassination of Charlie Kirk, claiming that the man who shot Kirk was part of the “MAGA gang.”

Kimmel then returned on Tuesday night, seemingly refusing to apologize for the comments but attempting to clear the air during an emotional monologue.

“I have no illusions about changing anyone’s mind, but I do want to make something clear, because it’s important to me as a human, and that is, you understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man,” he said, per the Associated Press.

“I don’t think there’s anything funny about it,” Kimmel continued.

Kimmel proceeded to make a call to action for those concerned about free speech, stating that maintaining shows like these is paramount for free speech in the United States.

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“This show isn’t important — what’s important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this,” Kimmel said, according to NPR.

The comedian then thanked those who took the time to support him during his absence. 

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) was one of the officials initially supporting Kimmel’s removal, but warned that threats from the Federal Communications Commission are “dangerous as hell” for both sides, as The Dallas Express previously reported.

“It takes courage for them to speak out against this administration,” said Kimmel, per the AP. “They did, and they deserve credit for it.”

President Donald Trump has spoken out against the return of Kimmel, posting on Truth Social:

“I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled! Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his “talent” was never there. Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, who’s not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE. He is yet another arm of the DNC and, to the best of my knowledge, that would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution. I think we’re going to test ABC out on this. Let’s see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative. A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings.”

Although ABC has allowed for the return of Kimmel, one major partner of the company has announced that it will not be broadcasting the television show moving forward.

Sinclair Broadcast Group, which operates 30 ABC affiliates, has announced that it will run news broadcasts rather than “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

“Beginning Tuesday night, Sinclair will be preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! across our ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming. Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the show’s potential return,” wrote the company in a statement.