A close friend of the Trump family has furiously hit out at “double standards” in the row over Jimmy Kimmel.

Bo Loudon, who grew up alongside Barron Trump, told GB News the comedian should have been held accountable for his comments that caused him to be temporarily taken off air.

He accused the Left of hypocrisy for defending Mr Kimmel under the banner of free speech, pointing out that conservatives such as Roseanne Barr and Jon Voight have lost careers simply for speaking out.

Speaking to Bev Turner on GB News, he said “I heard a lot from Jimmy Kimmel last night, what I didn’t hear was ‘I’m sorry’.

“There have been a lot of wishy-washy comments ‘I didn’t mean to” or “that wasn’t my intention,’ but not a real apology. Now they’re touting free speech, as if this has ever been a priority for them.

“Conservatives like Leigh-Allyn Baker, Roseanne Barr, Jon Voight have all lost careers or shows just for speaking out.

“But now suddenly the left are the party of free speech? I’d like accountability.

“I’d like no double standards when it comes to a conservative being fired versus a leftist.

“I’d like it to be fair, genuinely about free speech. And I want accountability.

“If you said something as despicable as Jimmy Kimmel did, you need to get on TV and say: ‘I’m sorry’.”

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The American comedian made an emotional comeback to his late-night programme on Tuesday evening, delivering an extended opening address that lasted nearly 18 minutes.

Mr Kimmel appeared visibly moved as he discussed his six-day absence from ABC’s airwaves, mixing humorous anecdotes with serious reflections about the circumstances leading to his suspension.

The presenter expressed gratitude towards an unexpected array of supporters, including conservative figures who typically oppose his views.

He specifically acknowledged Senator Ted Cruz, despite their political differences, for defending his freedom of expression.

The host revealed that fellow late-night presenters from multiple countries had reached out during his suspension.

During his monologue, Mr Kimmel addressed the circumstances that led to his temporary removal from broadcasting, specifically his remarks following conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s killing.

“It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man,” the presenter stated, becoming visibly emotional during Tuesday’s broadcast.

He acknowledged his comments may have seemed poorly timed or ambiguous to some viewers, expressing understanding for those who felt upset by his words.