Jimmy Kimmel used his Christmas Day message to U.K. viewers Thursday to declare victory for free speech over President Trump's calls to cancel his talk show.
The big picture: British public broadcaster Channel 4 selects a high-profile figure to deliver an alternative to the British monarch's annual Christmas message — and Kimmel admitted in his that he has "no idea" what's going on in the U.K. but said "tyranny is booming" in the U.S., per a transcript published online.
- During his "Alternative Christmas Message," the host addressed ABC pulling his program, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", off the air after outcry from Trump and other conservatives in response to his comments on Charlie Kirk's killing.
- Representatives for the White House did not immediately respond to Axios' Thursday afternoon request for comment.
What he's saying: "You may have read in your colorful newspapers that my country's president would like to shut me up — because I don't adore him in the way he likes to be adored," Kimmel said.
- "The American government made a threat against me and the company I work for, and all of a sudden we were off the air."
- Kimmel said a "miracle" happened and the show returned after "millions" spoke in support of him and free speech.
- "We won, the president lost — and now I'm back on the air every night, givin' the most powerful politician on Earth a right, and richly deserved, bollocking," he said, in reference to the British slang word for a rebuke.
Zoom in: Kimmel said Americans are "not all like" the president, whom he called "King Donny the Eighth", after noting that "from a fascism perspective, this has been a really great year."
- He asked the audience to "give us about three years," when the 2028 presidential election will be held.
- Kimmel invoked the "special relationship" between the U.S. and U.K. and urged Brits "don't give up on us," adding "It may not seem like it, but we love you guys."
Go deeper: Jimmy Kimmel extends deal with ABC for another year
