Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos back Jimmy Kimmel amid free speech controversy

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos have weighed in on the return of Jimmy Kimmel Live! following the host’s brief suspension from ABC.

On the September 24 episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, the couple praised Kimmel’s emotional monologue and underscored the importance of free speech in America.

Kimmel’s late-night show resumed on September 23 after being temporarily pulled by Disney’s ABC in response to his remarks on the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The incident drew attention from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and former President Donald Trump. Opening his return broadcast, Kimmel delivered a tearful speech thanking supporters across the political spectrum and criticizing government threats to silence comedians.

On Live, Consuelos called Kimmel “one of the kindest, most generous people” and described his return monologue as “very responsible.” Ripa added that Kimmel “cares about people,” while both hosts agreed that his statements struck the right tone. “One thing we can all agree on as a country is that the First Amendment is very important,” Consuelos said.

The couple acknowledged that while their own show avoids political commentary, the principle of free speech remains essential. “We’re non-controversial, but even we are constantly checking what we say,” Ripa noted, adding that disagreements are part of living in a free society.

Kimmel, who received a standing ovation during his comeback, emphasized that threats against comedians are “anti-American” and thanked audiences for ensuring his voice could still be heard. Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET on ABC.