Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos Break Their Usual Silence to Defend Free Speech and Praise Jimmy Kimmel’s Responsible Return

September 25, 2025: Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, hosts of Live with Kelly and Mark, broke their usual silence on politics on Wednesday to address Jimmy Kimmel’s recent return to the airwaves and weigh in on the intense debate over speech, censorship, and media responsibility.

A Rare Political Commentary

Though their daytime show typically steers clear of political conversations, the couple made an exception this time—citing the larger implications of Kimmel’s suspension and reinstatement. Speaking directly to viewers, Consuelos affirmed, “One thing we can all agree on as a country is that the First Amendment is very important.” Ripa chimed in with self-aware humor, noting that in their own “light, frothy” program they often find themselves mentally editing lines, mindful of today’s heightened sensitivities.

Image Credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty; Randy Holmes/Disney via Getty

Personal Support for Kimmel

Consuelos described Kimmel as “one of the kindest, most generous people that I know,” praising his care for his staff, crew, and audience. He said the comedian’s return monologue was “very responsible,” showing humility and openness to criticism. “We do a light show here. We don’t talk politics,” he added, underscoring that their platform is meant to entertain—but that doesn’t mean they dismiss the importance of free expression.

Walking the Line Between Entertainment and Expression

Ripa emphasized how even offhand remarks can provoke strong backlash in the current climate: “We are constantly in a position where we are checking what we’re about to say… because we’ve come to this inflection point where no matter what you say, somebody is upset.” She also reminded audiences that free societies depend on reciprocity: “I have a right to speak, and you have a right to say horrible things about me on Instagram. That’s the pleasure of living in a free society.”

Consuelos acknowledged the irony that their show is produced in the Disney (ABC) studio, saying, “It’s not lost on us that we’re sitting here in the Disney building, our home here,” and added that reinstating Kimmel was “the right thing to do for the company.” He voiced respect for those across the political spectrum, saying he has “plenty of friends on both sides” and emphasizing that disagreement doesn’t mean lack of respect or friendship. Ripa concluded the segment with a warm, inclusive note: “Everybody’s welcome at our table.”

As the controversy over Kimmel’s monologue, network suspension, and free speech intensifies, the voices of figures like Ripa and Consuelos highlight the tensions that entertainers face when the line between comedy and politics blurs. Their remarks may be rare, but they underscore that in times of polarization, even seemingly light platforms can have a role in protecting open dialogue.