Hollywood is reacting after Jimmy Kimmel Live! was pulled from ABC.
On Wednesday, Sept. 17, a spokesperson for Disney’s ABC confirmed that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would be on indefinite hiatus.
The move came after Kimmel made remarks about the death of right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot while speaking at a campus event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. He was 31.
During his Sept. 15 broadcast, Kimmel said, “The MAGA Gang (is) 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. In between the finger-pointing, there was grieving.”
Nexstar Media, the largest local broadcast and digital media company in the U.S., said 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.”
Nexstar recently announced plans to acquire rival broadcast company Tegna for $6.2 billion, a deal that would expand its reach to 80% of America’s TV-owning households, according to a press release. The acquisition still needs final approval from the Trump-controlled Federal Communications Commission.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr praised Nexstar on Wednesday for pressuring ABC, writing on X that “it is important for broadcasters to push back on Disney programming that they determine falls short of community values.”
After the announcement, many celebrities and public figures voiced their opinions online.
Comedian Wanda Sykes shared a video on Instagram, saying she had been scheduled to appear on Kimmel’s show that night. “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.”
Mike Birbiglia wrote on Instagram, “If you’re a comedian + don’t call out the insanity of pulling Kimmel off the air — don’t bother spouting off about free speech anymore.”
Roseanne Barr joked on X, “I’m available to fill in @ABCNetwork.” Rosie O’Donnell called the decision “unacceptable” and accused corporate executives of bowing to political pressure.
Megyn Kelly posted, “Just think for a minute about the amount of IRATE mail/viewer feedback they must have gotten to do this.”
Chris Hayes called it “the most straightforward attack on free speech from state actors I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Ben Stiller wrote, “This isn’t right.”
Sophia Bush added, “The First Amendment doesn’t exist in America anymore. Period. Fascism is here and it’s chilling.”
Alex Edelman called it “the actual cancel culture everyone claims to hate so much.”
Sen. Cory Booker shared a photo of the First Amendment text. Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett criticized the decision on X, calling it anti-democratic and comparing it to selective outrage in the media.
Kathy Griffin urged fans to “be vocal” in defending Kimmel, while actress Jean Smart said she was “horrified” at the cancellation.
Don Lemon said on Threads, “The Jimmy Kimmel Live! show has been preempted indefinitely over a joke. This should send a chill down everyone’s spine in America!”
Henry Winkler praised Kimmel as “a most wonderful fellow” whose insights are important.
John Legend reposted David Frum’s criticism of government retaliation against comedians, while Jon Cryer mocked Elon Musk for staying silent. Christie Brinkley emphasized protecting First Amendment rights, writing, “The laughter they provide us is as important as the air we breathe!”
Geraldo Rivera wrote, “Censorship sucks, but so does inflaming hatred. America’s in a tight spot right now. We don’t have to agree, but we have to respect each other.”
Josh Gad said, “I see we are at the passive participation of authoritarianism now. God help us all.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom accused Republicans of “coordinated” censorship efforts. Alison Brie called the situation “very scary.”
Halsey warned about “extreme censorship” and “indistinguishable propaganda,” while Adam Scott called the move “absurd and frightening.”
On Thursday, Sept. 18, Jason Bateman appeared on the Today show and said, “It’s troubling to say the least and we all have to really take a moment and figure out how we feel about this type of thing, especially people doing what you do. You can’t just stand by and let stuff like that go on.”
He clarified he was talking about “Jimmy getting his show pulled for Freedom of Speech.”
