The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! continues to spark widespread debate, with fellow late-night hosts and celebrities voicing support for Jimmy Kimmel. The show was pulled from ABC’s lineup following controversial remarks Kimmel made regarding the political response to the tragic death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed on September 10.
Kimmel criticized certain reactions from political figures, suggesting that some were using the incident for political gain. His comments triggered backlash, particularly from former President Donald Trump, who publicly celebrated ABC’s decision to remove Kimmel’s show and called for other networks to do the same with their late-night hosts.
In response, several public figures have defended Kimmel. Comedian and actor Ben Stiller called the suspension “not right,” while The Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon expressed both confusion and support, stating that Kimmel is “a decent, funny and loving guy” and that he hopes to see him return soon.
Former late-night legend David Letterman also weighed in during a public appearance, calling Kimmel’s removal “silly” and “ridiculous.” He criticized the idea of media being influenced by political pressure and warned against punishing entertainers for expressing dissenting opinions.
Seth Meyers addressed the controversy with his signature satire, jokingly praising former President Trump in an exaggerated monologue, while hinting that any past criticisms were simply “AI-generated.” His approach highlighted growing concerns about free speech and creative freedom in politically charged times.
Stephen Colbert added to the chorus of support, labeling ABC’s decision a “blatant assault on freedom of speech.” The collective response from Kimmel’s peers reflects broader concerns in the entertainment industry about the boundaries of political commentary and the role of corporate influence in shaping public discourse.