Jimmy Kimmel has returned to late-night US television after a nearly weeklong suspension that triggered a national discussion about freedom of speech and President Donald Trump's ability to police the words of journalists, commentators and even comics.

ABC, which suspended Kimmel's show last Wednesday following criticism of his comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, announced on Monday that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would return after the network had "thoughtful conversations" with the host.

After a standing ovation on his return on Tuesday Kimmel said: "It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man.

"I don't think there's anything funny about it."

An audience member, Walter Bates, said in an interview after the taping on Tuesday that Ki

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