The indefinite suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” has sparked a fierce, nationwide conversation about censorship, free speech, and the role of media companies in regulating content.
Kimmel’s comments about the shooting of Charlie Kirk — suggesting the suspect might have right-wing views — were controversial enough to get the FCC involved. But the decision to pull the show has triggered a broader debate over whether it was a justified move or an overreach of corporate power.
Celebrities Voice Their Support for Kimmel
Many prominent figures in entertainment have criticized ABC’s decision, viewing it as a dangerous precedent for limiting free speech.
- Wanda Sykes, the comedian who was set to be a guest on Kimmel’s show, expressed outrage on Instagram. She drew attention to the broader issue of freedom of speech, saying, “For those of you who pray, now’s the time to do it. Love you, Jimmy.”
- Rosie O’Donnell: A longtime political advocate, O’Donnell joined Sykes in condemning ABC’s move, posting on Instagram: “SHAME ON ABC AND THE FCC #FDT,” an acronym for a 2016 protest song. She made it clear that she saw this as an attack on Kimmel’s right to speak freely.
- Jean Smart: The Emmy-winning actress also stood up for Kimmel, stating, “What Jimmy said was FREE speech, not hate speech. People seem to only want to protect free speech when it suits THEIR agenda.” She also noted her disgust over Kirk’s tragic death, calling the suspension an attack on the First Amendment.
- Ben Stiller: The actor shared his concerns, commenting on social media, “This isn’t right.” His succinct yet powerful remark reflects the confusion many felt after Kimmel was pulled off the air.
- Kathy Griffin: A comedian known for her outspoken political views, Griffin encouraged fans to support Kimmel, urging them to “be vocal. Be an ideological consumer,” stressing the importance of standing up for free speech.
- Jamie Lee Curtis: Curtis echoed the sentiment by sharing a 2015 Rolling Stone interview where Kimmel discussed the dangers of cancel culture, adding, “I don’t think anybody should be canceled.” She advocated for a more open discourse in the entertainment industry.
Political Figures Join the Chorus of Criticism
The suspension hasn’t just prompted reactions from entertainment figures. Politicians, too, have weighed in, emphasizing the importance of free speech in a democratic society.
- Senator Adam Schiff: Schiff didn’t mince words, commenting that the suspension is just another instance of the Trump administration’s attack on the free press. “What will be left of the First Amendment when he’s done?” Schiff tweeted, calling the entire situation a “blatant attack on free speech.”
- Barack Obama: The former president expressed his concern over the administration’s approach to free speech, stating that the current government has taken cancel culture to “a new and dangerous level.” He drew a comparison between what’s happening with Kimmel and broader efforts to stifle speech by regulating media companies.
- Gavin Newsom: The California Governor used his platform on X (formerly Twitter) to criticize the move, accusing the GOP of trying to control media. “Buying and controlling media platforms. Firing commentators. Canceling shows. These aren’t coincidences. It’s coordinated. And it’s dangerous,” he wrote.
- Senator Elizabeth Warren: Warren also chimed in, noting that Kimmel’s suspension was part of a larger pattern of silencing voices critical of the Trump administration. “First Colbert, now Kimmel,” she posted. “Trump silencing free speech stifles our democracy.”
- Rep. Cory Booker: The New Jersey representative added, “The First Amendment is not up for grabs. No one should lose their platform for exercising free speech.”