Unrest and Indignation Over Disney and ABC's Decision to Suspend Jimmy Kimmel: "They Must Show Support"
Entertainment Workers Protest outside Walt Disney Studios over Suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
On a placid Thursday afternoon in Burbank, California, protestors gathered around the main entrance to the studio, voicing their discontent over the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! by ABC. The protest was in response to controversial remarks Jimmy Kimmel made about the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The protest was originally organized by the grassroots group "Burbank Against ICE," but gained significant momentum when the Hollywood writers union exhorted its members to attend. People who identified themselves as Hollywood union members mingled alongside others with no connection to the entertainment business.
Union apparel from the Writers Guild of America, SAG-AFTRA, and the American Federation of Musicians were visible at the protest, some of whose members work on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Myles Warden, a WGA member, expressed concern for the chilling effect that the ABC suspension could have on free speech. SAG-AFTRA member Denise Pickering condemned Disney's decision, stating that corporations need to take a stand and that the decision could affect them as well.
California State Assembly member Nick Schultz and Burbank City Council member Konstantine Anthony made an appearance at the protest to dissent the corporation's move. The Writers Guild of America West president Meredith Stiehm spoke to THR amid the protestors, expressing shock and fury over ABC and Disney breaking the First Amendment right.
Warden also reiterated the protestors' goal to have Jimmy Kimmel back on the air and to keep speaking up and putting pressure on ABC until that happens. The WGA president Meredith Stiehm further emphasized this, stating that the protestors aim for a repeal of ABC's decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live!
On Wednesday night, the WGA issued a strongly worded statement about the Kimmel decision, which impacts some union writers. US President Donald Trump announced the suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" at ABC on Thursday, September 15, 2025, celebrating the decision amid controversy over Kimmel's comments on the murder of Charlie Kirk. The protestors alleged that the studio had capitulated to pressure from Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr.
A Writers Guild representative put an estimate of attendees at around 200. Signs at the protest directed ire at both President Donald Trump's administration and Walt Disney Studios. Anthony held a sign that said, "Did you even watch Andor?" and criticized Disney and ABC for suspending Jimmy Kimmel.
The protest was a testament to the power of free speech and the solidarity of the entertainment industry in the face of censorship. As the evening wore on, the protestors' chants echoed through the streets of Burbank, a call for the return of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and a stand against the suppression of free speech.
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