Erika Kirk Says She Turned Down Jimmy Kimmel’s On‑Air Apology: 'Not Our Issue, Not Our Mess'

Erika Kirk Rejects Jimmy Kimmel’s Offer to Apologize on Air

Erika Kirk says she declined an on‑air apology from late‑night host Jimmy Kimmel after comments he made about the assassination of her husband, Charlie Kirk. According to the New York Post, Sinclair Broadcasting — which owns many ABC stations that carry Kimmel’s program — asked whether she would appear on his show so he could apologize publicly; Erika says she turned the offer down.

"I told them thank you … This is not our issue, not our mess," Erika, 37 and mother of two young children, told the outlet. "If you wanna say I'm sorry to someone who's grieving, go right ahead. But if that's not in your heart, then don't do it. I don't want it. I don't need it."

Kimmel was briefly taken off the air after a Sept. 15 monologue in which he criticized what he called the "MAGA gang" for attempting to characterize the accused attacker as anything other than an ideological ally. Disney said it temporarily suspended Kimmel "to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country." When Kimmel returned, he appeared tearful and made remarks many viewers read as an apology, though he did not explicitly say the word "sorry."

Authorities say 22‑year‑old Tyler Robinson is jailed in Utah on charges tied to the killing; if convicted, he faces possible execution by firing squad under state law. Separately, Erika has publicly recounted moments after the attack, including telling reporters she saw her late husband’s "smirk" in the hospital — comments covered in related reporting.

Erika’s response underscores how families of victims sometimes reject gestures they perceive as performative. She stated plainly that she would not participate in an on‑air reconciliation unless the sentiment was sincere.