United States comedian Jimmy Kimmel addressed the controversy surrounding his remarks on conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s murdersaying it was “never his intention to make light” of the incident or blame any specific group for the killing.

Speaking on his first episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! since ABC lifted his suspension, Kimmel admitted, “I understand that to some, that felt either ill-timed or unclear, or maybe both, and for those who think I did point a finger, I get why you’re upset.”

Kimmel also said he disagreed with Disney’s decision to temporarily pull the show but thanked the company, which owns ABC, for allowing him to return. He added, “The president of the United States made it very clear he wants to see me and the hundreds of people who work here fired from their job. Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he can’t take a joke.”

Earlier this week, President Donald Trump had lashed out at ABC on Truth Social, slamming the network for reinstating Kimmel’s show. Trump accused the broadcaster of “favoring Democrats” and said he “can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back.” He also renewed his long-running feud with the network, recalling that ABC once paid him $16 million in a past dispute.