Mark Ruffalo Speaks Out for Free Speech After Kimmel Show Pulled

Actor Mark Ruffalo has accused the Trump administration of attacking free speech following the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! ABC decided to pull the show indefinitely after the host faced backlash over comments made during a monologue about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Speaking during a video call for the No Kings protest group, Ruffalo called the suspension a threat to democracy. “We saw Jimmy Kimmel’s show was canceled. We don’t know what the reasons are really, it’s very cloudy and murky,” he said.

“I don’t understand what’s happening right now. My industry doesn’t understand what’s happening right now. But what they do understand is our freedom of speech is being attacked.”

Ruffalo continued, “This cancellation is the United States government coming and taking your voice away from you. It is the United States government that is now suppressing the freedom of speech.”

He warned that authoritarian regimes slowly take away freedoms, leaving people living “the smallest, the most frightened, the most secretive lives.”

The controversy began after Kimmel criticized MAGA supporters for trying to frame the suspect in Kirk’s killing as unrelated to their movement and accused them of using the tragedy for political gain.

Kimmel also mocked former President Trump’s response, joking that he was “at the fourth stage of grief: construction” in reference to Trump promoting a new White House ballroom shortly after Kirk’s death.

Ruffalo: We saw Jimmy Kimmel's show was cancelled. We don't know what the reasons are really…My industry doesn't understand what's happening right now — but what they do understand is our freedom of speech is being attacked. pic.twitter.com/5Y96CIxa7y

— Acyn (@Acyn) September 19, 2025

Trump’s Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr reacted by warning that the FCC could take action against ABC and its parent company Disney unless the network disciplined Kimmel. Following this, Nexstar, which owns ABC affiliates across the U.S., pulled the show from its stations. The decision also comes as Nexstar pursues a $6.2 billion acquisition of media company Tegna, which requires FCC approval.

ABC confirmed the suspension, reportedly following direction from Disney executives. The move has sparked a debate over free speech, political influence, and media independence.

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