LOS ANGELES / USA: A storm has erupted in Hollywood after ABC abruptly pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! off-air following the comedian’s controversial remarks about Charlie Kirk’s assassination. The decision has sparked a fierce backlash from unions, celebrities, and free speech advocates who see the move as a dangerous precedent of political pressure silencing artistic expression.
The Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA condemned the suspension in a joint statement, warning that silencing voices over political discomfort threatens democratic values. “This is not about comedy alone, this is about the right to dissent,” the unions declared, stressing that networks must not bow to political influence or FCC threats.
Top Hollywood names including Ben Stiller, Wanda Sykes, Kathy Griffin, Sophia Bush, and Jean Smart also rallied behind Kimmel, flooding social media with messages of solidarity. Stiller bluntly posted, “This isn’t right,” while others decried the move as censorship aimed at appeasing political factions.
The controversy began after Kimmel criticized what he described as the exploitation of Kirk’s death by MAGA-aligned figures for political gain. His remarks drew sharp rebukes from conservative groups and warnings from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, ultimately leading ABC to halt the show.
Observers fear this episode may embolden political actors to clamp down on media voices under the guise of “community standards.” Hollywood’s outcry reflects a growing concern that freedom of expression in mainstream media is under unprecedented threat.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.