Outrage sweeps through the entertainment industry and fans as ABC removes Jimmy Kimmel from his on-screen presence
In a surprising turn of events, comedian Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", has been temporarily suspended. The announcement came from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who also stated that the FCC would take action against Kimmel's comments regarding a controversial figure.
The suspension has sparked a wave of reactions from celebrities and political figures alike. Henry Winkler praised Kimmel on an unspecified platform, while Ben Stiller expressed his disapproval of the suspension. Comedian Wanda Sykes weighed in, stating that freedom of speech has been compromised within the first year of a certain administration.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett criticized the suspension, likening it to a mirror held up to MAGA supporters, which they found unpalatable. City Council member Constantine Anthony compared the situation to storylines on the Disney "Star Wars" show "Andor".
Several comedians, including Mike Birbiglia, Alex Edelman, and Marc Maron, have called for their fellow entertainers to stand up against the suspension. Jamie Lee Curtis showed her support for Kimmel via an Instagram post, and Kathy Griffin encouraged her followers to voice their support.
Not just the entertainment industry, but also political leaders have voiced their opinions. California Gov. Gavin Newsom went after Carr for his past social media posts supporting free speech. A group of Democratic leaders have called for Carr to resign, accusing him of engaging in a "corrupt abuse of power".
Unions representing writers and actors have condemned the indefinite cancellation of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" as an attack on free speech. MSNBC host Chris Hayes described this as the most straightforward attack on free speech from state actors he's ever seen in his life. Journalist Don Lemon wrote on Threads that the cancellation should send a chill down everyone's spine in America.
David Letterman criticized the suspension at The Atlantic Festival, calling it a "misery" and "managed media". Jean Smart expressed horror at the cancellation on Instagram. Former President Barack Obama stated that the Trump administration has taken free speech to a new and dangerous level by threatening regulatory action against media companies.
Protests have been held in response to the suspension. Hundreds protested outside Disney Studios in Burbank, California, and another protest is planned for Thursday afternoon outside the El Capitan Entertainment Center in Hollywood. Burbank Mayor Nikki Perez was present at the protest against the suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!".
Sinclair Broadcast Group's Vice Chairman Jason Smith publicly criticized Kimmel's remarks and welcomed Carr’s statements, emphasizing regulatory action to reduce network control over local stations. The situation remains a topic of heated debate, with many calling for a reconsideration of the suspension.
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