Jimmy Fallon speaks out after Jimmy Kimmel’s show was pulled off air following his remarks about Charlie Kirk. Celebrities react, with Trump applauding ABC’s decision.
Jimmy Fallon has spoken out after Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show was suddenly pulled from ABC’s schedule following backlash over his comments about Republicans and conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Earlier this week, Kimmel caused controversy after he criticized Republicans for their response to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, who was killed at age 31 on September 10.
During his monologue, Kimmel said:
“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.”
The comments quickly spread online, and ABC decided to remove Jimmy Kimmel Live from its broadcast lineup.
Former President Donald Trump celebrated the move, posting on Truth Social:
“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. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!!”
Many celebrities quickly reacted, including Ben Stiller who said:
“This isn’t right.”
Jimmy Fallon Responds
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NBC’s Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon, who was also mentioned in Trump’s rant, spoke directly about the controversy. Fallon told his audience:
“To be honest with you all, I don’t know what’s going on — no one does. But I do know Jimmy Kimmel, and he is a decent, funny, and loving guy. And I hope he comes back.”
Fallon also turned the tense situation into comedy, delivering jokes about Trump that were humorously censored by his announcer.
Other Celebrities Speak Out
Former late-night legend David Letterman called Kimmel’s suspension “ridiculous” during a talk at The Atlantic Festival in New York. Letterman said:
“It’s managed media. It’s no good. It’s silly. It’s ridiculous.”
He added that no one should lose their job simply for refusing to “suck up” to what he described as an “authoritarian” president.
Other talk show hosts also voiced their opinions. Seth Meyers joked on his show:
“The Trump administration is pursuing a crackdown on free speech… completely unrelated, I just want to say I’ve always admired and respected Mr Trump. And if you’ve ever seen me say anything negative about him, that’s just AI.”
Stephen Colbert also blasted ABC’s move, calling it a “blatant assault on freedom of speech.”
The debate continues to divide audiences, with stars from across Hollywood defending Kimmel and calling ABC’s decision an alarming precedent for late-night television.
