Jimmy Kimmel returned to late-night television Tuesday 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. Audience members filed out of the studio after watching Kimmel’s return in a Hollywood taping and described the show's energy as "electric." ABC, which suspended Kimmel’s show last Wednesday following criticism of his comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, announced Monday that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” would return after the network had “thoughtful conversations” with the host. "And he wanted everybody to make sure that that was not his intent whatsoever," said audience member Walter Bates. "And so he - I wouldn't call it apologize for that - but that message was very, very clear. And he praised Charlie Kirk's wife for exhibiting such Christian values for saying, 'I forgive the guy that killed my husband.' And he says, 'At the end of the day, that's what we should all be like.' Because he said, 'That's what Christ would do.' So it was a very moving moment." Audience members said Kimmel sought to clarify his intent but did not apologize for any of his previous comments.