Right-wing supporters showed no backing for Jimmy Kimmel's freedom of speech when he criticized Donald Trump, though he anticipates they would if the roles were reversed.
In a summer interview with Variety, Jimmy Kimmel jokingly mentioned taking medication for his 'Trump Derangement Syndrome.' This light-hearted comment seems to have sparked a series of events that have led to his suspension at Jimmy Johns.
Benny Johnson, a prominent figure, posted about Kimmel's suspension on his platform, adding fuel to the fire. The comedian, however, expressed hope that his colleagues on the right would support his right to speak freely.
The situation has not been met with universal approval. Greg Gutfeld, host of a primetime comedy show on Fox News, suggested that free speech advocates on the right have an easy task in this situation. In contrast, former Fox anchor Megyn Kelly has expressed support for Kimmel's suspension, believing he does not have the right to free speech in this case.
The Trump administration, known for its assertive stance, has not publicly commented on the matter regarding constitutional freedom of expression. However, there have been indications of pressure being exerted. FCC chairman Brendan Carr threatened ABC and its affiliates with potential action if they did not take action against Jimmy Kimmel. This threat seems to have been effective, as Nexstar, a TV station group that operates 32 ABC affiliates, stopped airing 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' following Carr's comments.
The MAGA-verse has reacted with glee, not outrage, to Kimmel's suspension. Trump himself celebrated the news on social media, while conservative figures have been quick to point out comments by Kimmel that they interpret as blaming the MAGA movement for a shooting incident involving Charlie Kirk.
The suspension of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' has sparked discussions about the boundaries of free speech, particularly in the context of satire and comedy. Vice President JD Vance has suggested Marco Rubio as a potential replacement for Kimmel, adding another layer of intrigue to the ongoing saga.
Meanwhile, the FCC's approval is pending for Nexstar's $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, which includes an exemption of the current ownership cap or an elimination of the rule. This development could potentially impact the future of television networks and their programming.
As the dust settles, it remains to be seen how this controversy will shape the landscape of comedy, free speech, and television in the United States.
