Kimmel Pulled Off Air
ABC confirmed Wednesday that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will be preempted “for the foreseeable future”
following the host’s controversial remarks about Charlie Kirk’s killing.
Kimmel mocked tributes and Donald Trump’s response, saying:
“This is not how an adult grieves… This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish.”
Official Backlash
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr threatened to revoke ABC affiliate licenses,
while Nexstar Media Group announced it would stop airing the show. Trump praised the move.
Celebrity Reactions
Wanda Sykes accused Trump of curbing free speech:
“He did end freedom of speech within his first year.” Ben Stiller posted:
“This isn’t right.” Jamie Lee Curtis shared Rolling Stone’s reminder that Kimmel once said:
“I don’t think anybody should be canceled.” Mike Birbiglia warned:
“If you’re a comedian + don’t call out the insanity… don’t bother spouting off about free speech anymore.”
Wider Outcry
Megyn Kelly, Christie Brinkley, and Sophia Bush also defended Kimmel, with Bush writing: “The First Amendment doesn’t exist in America anymore. Period.” The Hollywood backlash highlights a growing clash over censorship and free expression.