Hollywood Reacts to Jimmy Kimmel Suspension: “Every Corporation Is Instantly Folding to the Admin”
ABC has decided to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air indefinitely, sparking strong reactions from Hollywood, media figures, and advocacy groups.
The network’s move came shortly after Nexstar Media, which owns 32 ABC affiliates, announced it would no longer broadcast the show following Kimmel’s comments about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Kirk was shot and killed on September 10 during a debate at Utah Valley University. Authorities later arrested a suspect. In his September 15 monologue, Kimmel criticized conservatives for trying to use the tragedy for political purposes.
“We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it,” Kimmel said. He also mocked former President Donald Trump’s reaction, after Trump diverted attention to a White House ballroom.
Jimmy Kimmel’s full comments on Charlie Kirk which led to his show being taken off air indefinitely. pic.twitter.com/Ctg7LL8HWL
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) September 18, 2025
Nexstar explained its decision, saying it “strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets.”
President Trump quickly celebrated the suspension on Truth Social, writing: “Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that’s possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!! President DJT.”
Hollywood stars and media figures pushed back against ABC, calling the move an attack on free speech. California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote on X: “Buying and controlling media platforms. Firing commentators. Canceling shows. These aren’t coincidences. It’s coordinated. And it’s dangerous. The @GOP does not believe in free speech. They are censoring you in real time.”
Comedian Wanda Sykes noted on Instagram that she had been scheduled to appear on Kimmel’s show. “As you have heard by now, the Jimmy Kimmel show has been pulled indefinitely, abruptly because of complaints by the Trump administration,” she said. “Let’s see, 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.”
Other celebrities also voiced their support for Kimmel. Jean Smart wrote: “I am horrified at the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel Live. What Jimmy said was FREE speech, not hate speech… Though I didn’t agree at ALL with Charlie Kirk; his shooting death sickened me; and should have sickened any decent human being. What is happening to our country?” Ben Stiller added: “This isn’t right.” Michael Keaton shared a note urging networks to take a stand: “ABC, NBC, CBS, stand up!!! Stand the f**** up!!!”
Comedians and media analysts pointed to the First Amendment and the importance of defending creative freedom. Michael Kosta from The Daily Show said: “This is a serious moment in American history. TV networks MUST push back. This is complete BS.” Mike Birbiglia commented: “If you’re a comedian + you don’t call out the insanity of pulling Kimmel off the air — don’t bother spouting off about free speech anymore.”
Chris Hayes described the situation as a clear attack on free speech: “This is the most straightforward attack on free speech from state actors I’ve ever seen in my life and it’s not even close.”
Don Lemon also warned about the irony of those claiming comedians are “too woke” while silencing them: “The folks who are complaining about killing comedy are killing comedy. The folks who are complaining about cancelling people are cancelling people.” Hasan Piker added on X: “EVERY CORPORATION IS INSTANTLY FOLDING TO THE ADMIN EVEN WHEN ITS OVER AN UTTERLY INOFFENSIVE JOKE THE ADMIN DOESNT LIKE! LIBERALS NEED TO WAKE UP!!!! WE ALL HAVE TO FIGHT BACK, THESE WEALTHY ASSHOLES AREN’T GOING TO STAND UP FOR ANYTHING BEYOND THEIR BOTTOM LINE!”
The Writers Guild of America also defended Kimmel, emphasizing the importance of free expression: “The right to speak our minds and to disagree with each other – to disturb, even – is at the very heart of what it means to be a free people. As a Guild, we stand united in opposition to anyone who uses their power and influence to silence the voices of writers, or anyone who speaks in dissent… The WGA stands with Jimmy Kimmel and his writers.”
The suspension of Kimmel comes just minutes after Nexstar removed the show from its 32 ABC affiliates, part of a total 200-station network nationwide. The move highlights growing tensions between political pressure, corporate decisions, and freedom of expression in media.
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