HOLLYWOOD, CA — Comedian and indefinitely suspended late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel issued a statement on Friday in which he had the unfortunate task of informing the public that he had become the first victim of the murder of Charlie Kirk.
Kimmel mourned the loss of his show in the wake of controversial false statements he made about Kirk's assassin, asking viewers to bear with him during this difficult time.
"The tragic murder of Charlie Kirk has claimed its first victim — me," Kimmel said. "I never, in my wildest dreams, would have believed a violent, public murder could result in actual victims, but I am living proof."
Kimmel's late-night program, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, was put on indefinite hold this week following public outrage stemming from his comments. "Without my show, I am nothing, I am literally dead," Kimmel said shortly after the firing. "I guess it's true what they say. Murder really does kill. It kills careers."
As part of the statement, Kimmel asked his fans to respect his privacy during this time of grieving as he attempts to resurrect his career. "I don't intend on being a victim forever," he said in the statement. "Thankfully, murder never leaves anyone suffering permanently."
At publishing time, Jimmy Kimmel had asked those mourning him to always remember him for never backing down from refusing to tell the truth.
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