All the celebs who have slammed decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel off air!
Hollywood Outcry After Jimmy Kimmel Live! Pulled Following Controversial Remarks
The entertainment world is in turmoil after ABC confirmed that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would be pulled from its lineup “for the foreseeable future.” The decision followed controversial remarks by the late-night host about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, triggering condemnation from political figures and a wave of backlash from celebrities defending free speech.
The Comments That Sparked the Storm
On Monday night, Kimmel addressed Kirk’s killing during his monologue. He accused what he called the “MAGA gang” of attempting to reframe the tragedy for political advantage. His tone was biting, particularly when he criticized flags being lowered to half-mast in Kirk’s honor and mocked former President Donald Trump’s personal reaction.
“This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he calls a friend,” Kimmel said. “This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish.”
The remarks set off a firestorm. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr publicly threatened to revoke the licenses of ABC affiliates continuing to broadcast the show. By Wednesday, Nexstar Media Group and ABC-affiliated stations confirmed the program would be preempted indefinitely.
Donald Trump praised the decision, but Hollywood quickly rallied against the suspension, framing it as an alarming attack on free expression.
Celebrity Reactions
Wanda Sykes: Scheduled to appear on the show the night it was canceled, Sykes took to Instagram: “He didn’t end the Ukraine war or solve Gaza within his first week. But he did end freedom of speech within his first year. Hey, for those of you who pray, now’s the time to do it. Love you, Jimmy.”
Ben Stiller: On X (formerly Twitter), Stiller posted simply: “This isn’t right,” encapsulating a growing frustration among entertainers about the precedent set by Kimmel’s suspension.
Jamie Lee Curtis: Speaking on Marc Maron’s WTF podcast, Curtis acknowledged her disagreements with Kirk but defended Kimmel: “I hope in that moment when he died, that he felt connected with his faith. But silencing someone who openly opposed cancel culture is ironic and dangerous.”
Mike Birbiglia: Birbiglia, a comedian and former guest host for Kimmel, wrote: “If you’re a comedian and don’t call out the insanity of pulling Kimmel off the air — don’t bother spouting off about free speech anymore.”
Megyn Kelly: Focusing on corporate dynamics, Kelly suggested ABC acted out of fear: “Just think about the amount of irate viewer feedback they must have gotten. Networks are prioritizing controversy management over principle.”
Christie Brinkley: Posting on Instagram, Brinkley emphasized comedy’s societal importance: “The laughter they provide is as important as the air we breathe. We must protect their and our First Amendment rights!”
Sophia Bush: On Twitter, Bush was blunt: “The First Amendment doesn’t exist in America anymore. Period. Fascism is here and it’s chilling.”
The Bigger Picture
The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! has sparked a heated debate extending far beyond late-night television. Critics argue Kimmel crossed a line in mocking a murder victim and disrespecting grieving supporters. Defenders maintain that satire, even harsh satire, falls within free speech and that silencing him sets a dangerous precedent.
The controversy highlights a tension in entertainment between political accountability, corporate risk management, and artistic freedom. It has also reignited discussions over whether networks will continue to yield to political pressure, with implications for comedians, journalists, and creators nationwide.
For now, Kimmel remains off the air. But the backlash in Hollywood is growing louder, and the debate over free speech in entertainment has entered a volatile, high-stakes chapter.