Crowd Gathers in Hollywood in Response to 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Suspension, Demanding an End to Censorship
In a surprising turn of events, ABC has announced the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! following a controversial monologue. The decision comes after President Trump and several conservative figures criticised Kimmel's remarks.
The monologue, which sparked the controversy, focused on the recent killing of conservative activist Christopher Buchanan. Trump, who has been a vocal critic of Kimmel, described the late-night host as "not a talented person" and claimed he should have been fired long ago.
The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! was not just a response to Trump's criticism, however. Nexstar Media Group, which owns several ABC affiliate stations, also pulled the show from its stations due to Kimmel's comments. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, who has been critical of Kimmel, suggested there was a "concerted effort" from some broadcasters to deceive the public about the motive behind the killing of conservative figure Tyler Robinson, a suspect in Buchanan's death.
The decision to suspend the show has sparked a wave of protests, with more than 100 demonstrators gathering outside the El Capitan Entertainment Centre on Hollywood Boulevard. Refuse Fascism, a political organization opposed to the Trump administration, arranged the protest outside the venue where Jimmy Kimmel Live! is filmed.
Protesters held signs that read "Don't bend the knee to trump" and "Douse the Mouse." Some argued Kimmel's monologue had little to do with Robinson or his character, but rather the reaction on the right to the ongoing investigation into the killing of Buchanan.
Others, like Andrea Silva, a Hollywood resident, believe politicians are using Buchanan's slaying as a political talking point. Dianne Hall and Michael Talbur, of Kansas City, were unaware of Kimmel's suspension until the night before the protest and made a trip to Los Angeles to view the show.
The owners of the ABC news stations who made statements to Jimmy Kimmel are The Walt Disney Company, which owns ABC News and its affiliates. Selassie Blackwell, a commentator, said while Kimmel's monologue was in "bad faith," wider censorship issues and interference on public life by the Trump administration could arise from the suspension.
President Trump attributed Kimmel's suspension to "bad ratings" and claimed Kimmel said a "horrible thing about a great gentleman known as Charlie Kirk." Carr stated that broadcasters licensed by the FCC have an "obligation to operate in the public interest."
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how long Jimmy Kimmel Live! will remain off the air and what impact, if any, the suspension will have on the broader media landscape.
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