Responses to ABC's temporary halt of Jimmy Kimmel's broadcast program are being expressed widely
In a surprising turn of events, ABC has suspended "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" indefinitely, following comments made by the host regarding the killing of Charlie Kirk. The announcement was made by Dana Walden, Co-Chair of Disney Entertainment, who called Kimmel to explain the decision jointly made with Disney CEO Bob Iger.
The suspension of Kimmel's show has drawn reactions from various entertainment and political figures. President Donald Trump took to social media to announce, "The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED." Meanwhile, former President Barack Obama posted on social media that the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level by routinely threatening regulatory action against media companies.
Sen. Adam Schiff accused the current administration of launching the most blatant attacks on the free press in American history. This sentiment was echoed by Ken Martin, Democratic National Committee chairman, who stated that the state under Donald Trump has amassed a chilling record of restricting speech, extorting private companies, and dropping the full weight of the government censorship hammer on First Amendment rights.
Brendan Carr, FCC chairman, told Fox News that local broadcasters have an obligation to serve the public interest. He called Kimmel's comments "truly sick" and said his agency had a strong case for holding Kimmel, ABC, and network parent Walt Disney Co. accountable for spreading misinformation.
Megyn Kelly, who was previously fired from her NBC morning show in 2018 for comments regarding blackface, criticised Kimmel for falsely stating Charlie Kirk's killer as MAGA. Mark R. Levin called Jimmy Kimmel a "pathetic hate monger" and expressed relief at his suspension.
Jean Smart expressed horror at the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel's show and questioned the state of free speech in the country. Wanda Sykes, a frequent guest on the show, voiced her disappointment over the indefinite suspension. Mike Birbiglia defended comedians' right to free speech and criticized those who remain silent on the issue.
In a separate development, CBS announced that Stephen Colbert's "Late Show" would end next year due to financial reasons. The news came as a surprise to Colbert, who was taping an episode of his own show in New York when he got the news about the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's show.
As the entertainment industry grapples with the implications of these events, the debate over free speech, censorship, and the role of the media continues to rage on.
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