Hollywood figures and unions condemned the White House on Wednesday after ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! under pressure from Donald Trump’s administration, calling the move a direct attack on free speech.
The Walt Disney-owned broadcaster announced it was pulling the show indefinitely after Nexstar Media Group, which owns 32 ABC affiliates, said it would stop airing the programme, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) threatened investigations over Kimmel’s remarks about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
In his September 10 monologue, Kimmel, a frequent Trump critic, accused Kirk’s allies of using the 31-year-old’s death to “score political points” and mocked Trump’s mourning, likening it to “how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish.” His comments triggered backlash from conservative figures and scrutiny from regulators.
Writers’ and actors’ unions swiftly denounced ABC’s decision, warning it set a dangerous precedent. The Writers Guild of America West and East said in a joint statement: “What we have signed on to – painful as it may be at times – is the freeing agreement to disagree. Shame on those in government who forget this founding truth. As for our employers, our words have made you rich. Silencing us impoverishes the whole world.”
SAG-AFTRA, representing actors, also condemned the suspension. “The decision to suspend airing Jimmy Kimmel Live!is the type of suppression and retaliation that endangers everyone’s freedoms,” the union said. Actor Ben Stiller added his voice on X, writing: “This isn’t right.”
President Trump has long threatened media outlets, repeatedly vowing to revoke television licences and suing the New York Times for $15 billion over defamation. FCC Chair Brendan Carr earlier urged local broadcasters to drop Kimmel’s programme, escalating tensions between the administration and media outlets.
Authorities last week charged a 22-year-old suspect with Kirk’s murder, though his motive remains unclear. The activist’s killing has sparked grief among supporters while also fuelling right-wing criticism of those who questioned or mocked his legacy.
Kimmel has not commented publicly since ABC’s announcement, which industry leaders and free-speech advocates see as one of the most significant clashes yet between entertainment media and the Trump administration.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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