Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos have expressed their support for Jimmy Kimmel following his return to late-night television after a brief suspension.
On Wednesday’s episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, the couple praised Kimmel’s approach when he addressed the controversy on his ABC show. The late-night host clarified that he “never” intended to downplay the tragic Sept. 10 killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Mark Consuelos said Kimmel’s words struck the right balance and emphasized humility. “He understands both sides, he was very humble in his speech,” Consuelos remarked. He echoed Kimmel’s point that the suspension felt “un-American,” highlighting that freedom of expression remains central to the country’s values.
“One thing we can all agree on as a country is that the First Amendment is very important,” Consuelos added, underscoring the significance of protecting speech even when it stirs controversy.
Ripa and Consuelos, who rarely discuss politics on their morning show, acknowledged the constant pressure of self-censorship. “We do a light show here. We don’t talk about politics, we just don’t do it. Our fans want an escape from all of that, and we agree,” Ripa explained. “But I think it’s important, too, that we all are free because you never know—we can say something crazy and tomorrow we’re gone.”
Adding humor to the conversation, Ripa described their program as “like melted ice cream,” but admitted even entertainment-focused television faces backlash. “No matter what you say, somebody is upset,” she said. “I have a right to speak and you have a right to say horrible things about me on Instagram. That’s the pleasure of living in a free society.”
Kimmel, while not offering an outright apology for his earlier remarks, acknowledged that they may have come across as “ill-timed or unclear.” His return has reignited conversations about free speech, responsibility, and the fine line between humor and sensitivity in modern media.
