The recent suspension of Jimmy Kimmel has sparked significant outrage across the entertainment industry, with numerous prominent Disney stars voicing their support for the comedian. On September 20, Mark Ruffalo, known for his role as the Hulk in Disney's Marvel Cinematic Universe, took to Threads to express his concerns. He warned that the company's stock could plummet even further if they permanently cancel Kimmel's show, stating, "Disney does not want to be the ones that broke America."
On September 17, ABC, a subsidiary of Disney, suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! following pressure from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding Kimmel's comments related to the tragic murder of Charlie Kirk. Kirk, co-founder of the conservative organization Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University on September 10. The alleged shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, has since been charged with murder. Following Kimmel’s monologue, court documents revealed that Robinson’s mother had indicated her son had shifted politically to a more left-leaning stance over the past year, embracing pro-gay and trans-rights views.
Brendan Carr, the chairman of the FCC, claimed that Kimmel misrepresented Robinson's political beliefs. This controversy has ignited a firestorm of reactions from various celebrities within the Disney sphere.
Pedro Pascal, the lead in Fantastic Four: First Steps and star of two upcoming Disney films, publicly defended Kimmel in a September 18 Instagram post, advocating for free speech and democracy. In a now-expired Instagram story, Tatiana Maslany, known for her role in the Disney+ series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, encouraged fans to cancel their Disney+ subscriptions in response to Kimmel's suspension.
Notable figures like Bill Maher have also rallied behind Kimmel, criticizing ABC for their decision. In a column for Deadline, Dan Gilroy, who recently won an Emmy for his work on Disney+'s Andor, drew parallels between the themes of his show and the current political climate. He remarked that tools of governance and intimidation have infiltrated Hollywood, highlighting the challenges faced by those who dare to speak out.
Former late-night hosts Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien have also shown their support for Kimmel, with Leno stating, "Usually, it's the truth that winds up getting canceled." O'Brien echoed these sentiments on X, asserting that the suspension should alarm individuals across the political spectrum. He emphasized the importance of standing against censorship and the silencing of voices in late-night television.
Even David Letterman, a former late-night icon, criticized Kimmel's suspension during The Atlantic Festival, condemning ABC for their "ridiculous decision." He argued that it's unacceptable to dismiss someone due to fear of backlash from an authoritarian government.
The ongoing controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel's suspension highlights critical issues of free speech and censorship within the entertainment industry. As more voices join the conversation, it remains to be seen how Disney will respond to the mounting pressure and whether Kimmel’s show will return to air.
