Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show was taken off air after his remarks about Charlie Kirk’s death. Here are all the celebrities who have spoken out in his defense.
The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! has caused an uproar across Hollywood. The late-night host was taken off air after making comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during his opening monologue.
On the September 15 episode, Kimmel criticized the political reaction to Kirk’s death, accusing Trump allies of trying to “score political points.” He also mocked Trump for shifting focus to a $200 million White House ballroom project, joking:
“He’s at the fourth stage of grief: construction. This is not how an adult grieves the murder of a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish.”
ABC later announced the show would be suspended “indefinitely”, sparking a wave of celebrity backlash.
Wanda Sykes
The comedian revealed she was originally booked as a guest for the September 17 show. In an Instagram video, she slammed the decision, saying:
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“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. For those of you who pray, now’s the time. Love you, Jimmy.”
Mike Birbiglia
The stand-up comic shared on Instagram:
“I’ve spent a lot of time defending comedians I don’t agree with. If you’re a comedian and don’t call out the insanity of pulling Kimmel off the air, don’t bother spouting off about free speech anymore.”
Chris Hayes
The U.S. political commentator took to X, writing:
“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.”
Megyn Kelly
The journalist and attorney questioned the backlash that drove the network’s decision:
“Just think for a minute about the amount of IRATE mail/viewer feedback they must have gotten to do this.”
Sophia Bush
The One Tree Hill star expressed alarm on Twitter, saying:
“The First Amendment doesn’t exist in America anymore. Period. Fascism is here and it’s chilling.”
The move to suspend Kimmel’s show has turned into a heated free speech debate, with celebrities, journalists, and fans weighing in on the future of comedy, media, and political criticism.
