Unions SAG-AFTRA, WGA, and AFM denounce suspension of Jimmy Kimmel, viewing it as a form of retaliation that potentially threatens everyone's liberty and freedom.
Unions Condemn Suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and Defend Free Speech
A coalition of unions, including the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), the Writers Guild of America (WGA), the Directors Guild of America (DGA), the Producers Guild of America (PGA), and the American Federation of Musicians (AFM), have spoken out against the suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on ABC.
The unions claim that media companies have a responsibility to defend their workers and the integrity of the stories they tell, and to stand firm in defense of free expression and the First Amendment. They argue that the decision to pull the show off the air threatens the livelihoods of thousands of working Americans in the film and television industry.
SAG-AFTRA defends the right of media artists to express diverse points of view, and believes that suppression of free speech and retaliation for speaking out on significant issues run counter to fundamental rights. The WGA stands united in opposition to anyone who uses power and influence to silence the voices of writers.
The AFM strongly condemns the decision to take "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" off the air and stands in solidarity with all those who will be without work because of government overreach. They consider the decision as state censorship. The PGA has also commented, stating that free speech is fundamental to democracy and artistic expression is essential.
The coalition of unions, including IATSE, considers the decision as part of a "disturbing trend of increasing interference in creative expression." They argue that this trend undermines the very foundation of a free and open society.
The controversy arose after Jimmy Kimmel came under fire from conservatives following his Monday night broadcast, during which he said the "MAGA mob" was trying to "characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them." The killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk sparked a heated debate, with some arguing that Kimmel's comments were inappropriate and offensive.
ABC's decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel's show indefinitely due to his remarks followed reactions including statements by the Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi about hate speech and societal limits on free speech. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr responded to Kimmel's statement, suggesting that there might be additional work for the FCC ahead regarding Kimmel's conduct. However, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) did not officially announce any fine against Jimmy Kimmel and ABC regarding his comments on the murder of Charlie Kirk.
The unions have released statements in support of Jimmy Kimmel and his writers, condemning those in government who forget the founding truth of free speech. They stand firm in their belief that artistic expression is essential to a vibrant and thriving democracy, and that the right to free speech must be protected at all costs.
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