Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, is speaking out about controversial comments made by television host Jimmy Kimmel. Her first televised interview since her husband’s death will address the public dispute involving Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Kirk, 36, was invited by Fox News host Jesse Watters, 47, to discuss the controversy. Watters stated that Kimmel "lied about your husband’s murder and didn’t really apologize."
When asked what she would say to Kimmel, Kirk recounted her previous response to Sinclair, one of ABC’s affiliate owners. Sinclair and Nexstar had criticized Kimmel’s remarks, leading to his suspension from ABC in September.
Kirk told them, "Thank you, we received your message. This is not our concern, it’s not our problem." She added, "If you want to say ‘I’m sorry’ to someone who is grieving, go ahead. But if you don’t mean it, don’t. I don’t want it. I don’t need it."
Kimmel, 57, returned to his program the following week. He delivered an extensive monologue addressing his initial comments.
On September 23, Kimmel stated, "It was never my intention to trivialize the murder of a young man." He added, "I don’t think there’s anything funny about it."
Kimmel clarified that he did not intend to blame any specific group for the actions of a disturbed person. He acknowledged that his comments might have seemed "untimely or unclear."
During his monologue, Kimmel also praised Kirk’s strength and her promise to forgive the 22-year-old suspect. The suspect has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder and faces the death penalty if convicted.
Kimmel described Kirk’s act as "a selfless act of grace, the forgiveness of a grieving widow." He said it "deeply moved" him and hoped it would inspire others.
Kirk’s upcoming interview will also cover the suspect’s trial. She will discuss how she talks to her two young children, a 3-year-old daughter and a 17-month-old son, about their father’s death.
She told her daughter, "If you ever want to talk to Dad, just look at the sky and start talking to him; he can hear you." When her daughter asked if she could go to heaven someday, Kirk responded, "Sweetie, we will all go someday."
The full interview with Erika Kirk will air on Jesse Watters Primetime on Fox News, Wednesday, November 5, at 8 p.m. ET.