Kimmel: This Show Is Not Important, What Is Important Is that We Get To Live in a Country That Allows Us To Have a Show Like This [Full Monologue]

[Excerpt]

KIMMEL: “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. (Applause) I don’t think there’s anything funny about it. I posted a message on Instagram on the day he was killed, sending love to his family and asking for compassion, and I meant it, and I still do. Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what was obviously a deeply disturbed individual. That was really the opposite of the point I was trying to make, but 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. If the situation was reversed, there’s a good chance I’d have felt the same way. I have many friends and family members on the other side who I love and remain close to, even though we don’t agree on politics at all. I don’t think the murderer who shot Charlie Kirk represents anyone. This was a sick person who believed violence was a solution, and it isn’t, ever. And also, selfishly — (Cheering and Applause) — I am a person who gets a lot of threats. I get many ugly and scary threats against my life, my wife, my kids, my coworkers, because of what I choose to say. And I know those threats don’t come from the kind of people on the right who I know and love. So that’s what I wanted to say on that subject. But I don’t want to make this about me, because — and I know this is what people say when they make things about them — (Laughter) — but I really don’t. This show — this show is not important. What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this.” (Cheering and Applause)