Reaction of the Hollywood community to Jimmy Kimmel's dismissal...
In a surprising turn of events, the US broadcaster ABC has indefinitely paused the popular late-night talk show 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' following controversial comments made by Jimmy Kimmel about the murder of right-conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The decision was prompted by Kimmel's criticism of the MAGA movement and former President Donald Trump in his comments about the murder, which led to a significant backlash. ABC has demanded Kimmel apologize to Kirk's family and donate money, and has replaced the show's timeslot with a tribute to Kirk.
However, the pause in the show has sparked a larger conversation about the boundaries of free speech in the entertainment industry. Many celebrities and public figures, including Jean Smart, Mike Birbiglia, Wanda Sykes, Kathy Griffin, Ben Stiller, Sophia Bush, Chris Hayes, and John Legend, have expressed their concerns about the potential impact on free people.
Jean Smart emphasized that Kimmel's comments were not hate speech, a sentiment echoed by other celebrities. Mike Birbiglia's statement that comedians who stay silent on the issue have no right to defend free speech has sparked debate among fellow comedians.
Wanda Sykes' comments about the pause in the show being a 'slap in the face to free people' have received widespread support from the entertainment industry. Kathy Griffin's call for fans to 'stand by him' has been met with a show of solidarity from Kimmel's supporters.
The entertainment industry's response to the pause in 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' has highlighted the importance of free speech and the potential consequences of censorship. Politicians like Senator Cory Booker, Representative Jasmine Crockett, and California Governor Gavin Newsom have expressed their concerns about the situation.
The pause in the show comes at a time when Nexstar Media, the largest local broadcaster in the US, awaits approval for its major merger with Tegna, which would give the company access to 80% of American households. Nexstar Media has condemned Kimmel's remarks and threatened to pull the show from its stations, but has not yet publicly stated whether it will continue to air 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' after the merger.
The controversy surrounding 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between free speech and responsibility in the entertainment industry. As the industry grapples with these issues, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold.
