Source: JC Olivera / Getty
Hollywood is in shambles after Jimmy Kimmel got benched by ABC, and celebrities are sounding off with their support for the longtime host across social media. Read more about the news and check out reactions inside.
On Sept. 17, ABC announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! is on an “indefinite hiatus” after the late-night host’s “spicy” remarks about Charlie Kirk, the right-wing pundit who was killed at a Utah campus event. What did Jimmy Kimmel say about Charlie Kirk? Kimmel pointed out the MAGA crowd’s spin tactics around the tragedy, and just like that—his mic got cut.
Enter Nexstar Media (aka the giant buying up TV stations like Monopoly pieces), who clutched their pearls and declared they weren’t here for Kimmel’s commentary. With Trump’s FCC co-signing the move, ABC folded faster than a lawn chair at a cookout.
The reality is Hollywood’s A-list talent is not going for it. Stars flooded social media to drag the decision and defend free speech. Wanda Sykes, who was literally scheduled to appear on Kimmel the night of the cancellation, dropped a heartfelt video saying, “Love you, Jimmy,” while calling out America’s quick slide into censorship. Rosie O’Donnell was even less subtle, telling followers, “F— this fascist administration and corrupt corporate executives—America is no more.”
Ben Stiller, John Legend, and Sophia Bush all joined the chorus, with Bush flat-out declaring, “The First Amendment doesn’t exist in America anymore. Fascism is here and it’s chilling.” Comedian Mike Birbiglia added that if other comics don’t step up to defend Kimmel, they should stop pretending they care about free speech altogether.
Even politicians chimed in. Senator Cory Booker posted the actual text of the First Amendment, like a digital mic drop. Meanwhile, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett called out the hypocrisy.
“So Kimmel’s words got him yanked,” Crockett shared. “But Fox anchors can talk reckless about killing unhoused people without consequence? Make it make sense.”
Roseanne Barr offered to “fill in” (girl, bye), and Jason Bateman told Today that the whole situation should make us “stop and think about where this country’s headed.”
From Kathy Griffin urging other celebrities to “back Jimmy now” to Don Lemon warning that the move should “chill everyone’s spine,” no one’s letting this one slide.
President Donald Trump had a lot to say, which contradicted his initial stance of upholding the First Amendment’s right to free speech. Nothing new there.
Check out his comments:
Most fans and social media commentators stand on the side of WTF. Many of them commented that these are some of the strangest and darkest times for the American people.
Check out one post below about Jimmy Kimmel Live! suspension:
SAG-AFTRA even made its own statement, condemning the suspension of the show.
Check out their statement below:
Jimmy Kimmel might be off the air, but his name is loud in these Hollywood streets. If these reactions are any indicator, ABC’s decision may have lit a fire they weren’t ready to put out.
Check out all the celebrity reactions to Jimmy Kimmel’s dismissal below:
1. Wanda Sykes Speaks Out
Source:Wanda Sykes
2. Mike Biribiglia Calls Comedians Out
Source:Mike Biribiglia
3. Cory Booker Stands On The Constitution
Source:Cory Booker
4. A Word From Kathy Griffin
Source:Kathy Griifin
5. Jean Smart Says She’s “Horrified”
Source:Jean Smart
6. Don Lemon Had A Lot To Say
Source:donlemonofficial
7. Henry Winkler Praises Jimmy’s Insights
Source:hwinkler4real
8. Jasmine Crockett Chimes In
Source:JasmineForUS
9. Ben Stiller Keeps It Plain & Simple
Source:BenStiller
10. It’s Always One… Roseanne Please
Source:therealroseanne
