Trump commends Jimmy Kimmel's suspension and proposes disciplinary action against broadcasting figures who are critical of him
In a surprising turn of events, Jimmy Kimmel's late-night comedy show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", has been suspended indefinitely. This decision, made by Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney Entertainment Co-Chair Dana Walden, has stirred a wave of controversy and sparked protests across the nation.
The suspension follows a conservative uproar over Kimmel's Monday monologue, which apparently crossed a line for some. This has led to local news broadcasts and syndicated shows on Nexstar and Sinclair Broadcast Group stations being delayed or preempted, although the specific program titles vary by market and station.
Interestingly, hours before Kimmel's suspension, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr urged local broadcasters to stop airing the show, citing it as an unconstitutional attempt by the Trump administration to "silence its critics and control what the American people watch and read."
The American Civil Liberties Union echoed Carr's sentiments, labelling the move as an unconstitutional attempt by the administration to curb free speech. Meanwhile, writers' and actors' labor unions have also condemned the targeting of Kimmel as an unconstitutional attack on the right to disagree.
The controversy has not gone unnoticed by the White House. US President Donald Trump celebrated the suspension, calling Kimmel untalented and denouncing him for saying a "horrible thing about a great gentleman known as Charlie Kirk." Trump has previously stated that TV broadcasters should lose their licenses over negative coverage of his administration.
However, the protests against Kimmel's suspension have been just as vocal. About 150 demonstrators gathered outside the Hollywood studio where "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" is recorded, with signs reading "Don't Bend a Knee to Trump", "Resist fascism", "Douse the mouse", and "Cancel Disney+".
Some signs also challenged or derided Kirk's support for right-wing politics and Christian nationalism, and his derogatory comments about immigrants, African Americans, and transgender people. On the other hand, Kirk's death has spurred an outpouring of grief among fans who saw him as a staunch advocate for public debate and conservative values.
Former US President Barack Obama has also weighed in on the matter, urging media companies not to capitulate to government coercion. Protesters, like Laura Brenner, a protester outside the Hollywood studio, have expressed their concern, stating that "this country is going in a wrong direction when people can't make fun of the administration."
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this controversy will shape the future of free speech and the role of media in America.
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
