In a bold move, Stephen Colbert, well-known for navigating the tumultuous waters of political commentary, has publicly supported his friend Jimmy Kimmel. During his recent monologue on The Late Show, Colbert took aim at Disney's decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! from its programming lineup, emphasizing the importance of freedom of speech. His remarks come in light of comments made by FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who emphasized the need for broadcasters to challenge Disney programming that he believes does not align with community values.
Colbert humorously responded to Carr’s statement, saying, “You know what my community values are, Buster? Freedom of speech. Or as Alexander Hamilton called it, ‘Hakuna Matata’.” This lighthearted jab underscores Colbert's commitment to defending his friend and the principle of open discourse in entertainment.
The controversy intensified following Kimmel's comments regarding the recent tragedy involving Charlie Kirk. On Monday, Kimmel remarked on the attempt by certain political groups to redefine the narrative surrounding the incident, stating, “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.” His remarks drew sharp criticism, with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr labeling them as “some of the sickest conduct possible.”
In response, local station Nexstar announced it would “preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! for the foreseeable future,” citing strong objections to Kimmel's comments. Shortly after, Disney made the decision to pause the show altogether, marking a notable shift in the late-night television landscape.
Colbert's insights are particularly relevant given his own recent experiences. Earlier this year, CBS canceled The Late Show, a decision attributed to financial concerns but speculated by many to have political undertones. Colbert had previously criticized Paramount's settlement with President Trump as a “big fat bribe,” leading to questions about the motivations behind his show's cancellation.
After accepting the Emmy for Outstanding Talk Series on Sunday, Colbert reflected on the challenges of the current political climate, stating, “Sometimes you only truly know how much you love something when you get a sense that you might be losing it.” He added, “I have never loved my country more desperately. God bless America. Stay strong. Be brave and if the elevator tries to bring you down, go crazy and punch a higher floor.”
Colbert, Kimmel, and their fellow late-night hosts, including Seth Meyers and John Oliver, have developed strong friendships over the years. They recently collaborated on a podcast titled Strike Force Five during the writers' strike, showcasing their solidarity and shared experiences in the entertainment industry.
In this current climate, Colbert has publicly thanked Kimmel for his support in campaigning for The Late Show to win its Emmy, further highlighting the camaraderie among late-night hosts. As the situation unfolds, fans can stay tuned for more updates from The Late Show, where Colbert is set to interview notable figures such as Jake Tapper and David Remnick.
