ABC's indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! has rocked the American media landscape. The star host, known for his sharp monologues against Donald Trump and the conservative right, was removed following controversial remarks about the death of Charlie Kirk. Several affiliates, including Nexstar, refused to carry the show, deeming his comments "offensive and insensitive", while the FCC brandished the threat of sanctions. For many, however, the decision reflects worrying political pressure. The reaction was immediate: stars, unions and public figures denounced a serious attack on freedom of expression.
Ben Stiller
Actor and director Ben Stiller (Severance) has expressed his outrage at the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel Live! He called the decision "unfair and dangerous for our free speech", joining many Hollywood voices concerned by the attack.
Barack Obama
Barack Obama reacted strongly to the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! denouncing it as a direct attack on freedom of expression. According to him, "this kind of government coercion is exactly what the First Amendment was designed to prevent".
Kathy Griffin
Comedian Kathy Griffin denounced the suspension as a dangerous precedent for political satire in the US. She herself was the target of a cancellation after her controversial photo of Trump in 2017, proof that punishing a comedian for his or her words undermines free speech and weakens democracy.
"Please, take it from me, it is very important to have Jimmy Kimmel’s back right now. Be vocal. Be an ideological consumer. Money is all their crowd cares about."
His criticism is part of a long tradition of defending comedians in the face of censorship.
Jason Bateman
Jason Bateman reacted strongly to Jimmy Kimmel's firing, denouncing ABC's decision as dangerous to free speech. In his words:
"It’s troubling, to say the least. We can’t just sit back and do nothing while voices are being silenced."
Sophia Bush
Actress Sophia Bush (One Tree Hill) underlined the danger that the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! represents for American democracy. According to her, "free speech is under threat". Her reaction insists on the need to protect political criticism and satire from pressure.
Jasmine Crockett
Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett strongly denounced the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! According to her, "silencing Jimmy Kimmel over a monologue sets a dangerous precedent. This is not what America stands for".
Gavin Newsom
California Governor Gavin Newsom strongly denounced the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
"This is nakedly political, prioritizing MAGA grievances over the First Amendment. It’s disgraceful."
Rosie O'Donnell
Known for her long-standing antagonism to Donald Trump, Rosie O'Donnell (The Rosie O'Donnell Show) summed up the Hollywood outrage.
She denounced ABC's decision, declaring:
"It's censorship". For her, the cancellation is an alarming symbol of political interference in the American media landscape.
Alison Brie
Actress Alison Brie (Glow) reacted to the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! by sharing a news alert on Instagram.
She expressed her concern over the decision, writing: "This is unreal. And very scary."
Wanda Sykes
Comedian and actress Wanda Sykes (Black-ish) has strongly criticized the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel Live! as a frontal attack on fundamental rights.
"It's a direct attack on free speech."
Her voice reinforces the artistic community's opposition to ABC's decision.
John Legend
Singer John Legend expressed his support for Jimmy Kimmel by sharing a post by David Frum on Instagram:
"How dare you call us fascists just because our appointees threaten government retaliation against broadcast networks if their comedians don't say what we want them to say."
The SAG-AFTRA, WGA and AFM unions
The SAG-AFTRA, WGA and AFM unions have issued strong statements in response to the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel Live! They denounce a serious infringement of fundamental rights:
"Punishing an artist for his opinions is incompatible with a free democracy."