Erika Kirk, widow of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, says she doesn’t want or need an apology from comedian Jimmy Kimmel, whose on-air remarks about her husband’s killing sparked nationwide outrage.
Speaking with Fox News, Erika Kirk said an apology should come “from the heart,” not out of pressure or obligation.
“Through our team, I responded, ‘Tell them thank you, we received their note. This is not our issue, not our mess,’” she told Watters.
“If you want to say I’m sorry to someone who’s grieving, go right ahead. But if that’s not in your heart, don’t do it. I don’t want it. I don’t need it.”
Kimmel’s remarks draw backlash
In his September 15 monologue, Kimmel mocked conservative reactions to the assassination and suggested that Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was affiliated with the “MAGA gang.”
“We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them,” Kimmel said.
The comments were met with immediate backlash, with critics accusing Kimmel of politicizing a tragedy.
Networks pull Kimmel’s show
Following the controversy, major broadcasters Sinclair Broadcasting and Nexstar Media Group — the two largest ABC station owners in the US — announced they were temporarily pulling Jimmy Kimmel Live! off air.
Kimmel later returned with what many described as a “lukewarm” apology, expressing sadness over Kirk’s death but stopping short of explicitly saying “sorry.”
Charlie Kirk’s killing
Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot and killed on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. The incident, caught on camera, sent shockwaves across the political spectrum and reignited debates about rising political violence in the US.
The accused and possible sentence
Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested days later and charged with aggravated murder and related crimes. Prosecutors in Utah have confirmed he could face the death penalty by firing squad if convicted.
