Hollywood stars are uniting against ABC after the network suspended late-night host Jimmy Kimmel following remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death. More than 400 prominent actors, musicians, and writers signed an ACLU letter calling the move a “dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation.”
The letter criticizes what it describes as government pressure on Disney-owned ABC. “In an attempt to silence its critics, our government has resorted to threatening the livelihoods of journalists, talk show hosts, artists, creatives, and entertainers across the board,” the statement reads. “This runs counter to the values our nation was built upon, and our Constitution guarantees.”
High-Profile Support
Among the signers are Disney-linked stars such as Pedro Pascal of “The Mandalorian,” Jamie Lee Curtis of “Freaky Friday,” Florence Pugh, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Mark Ruffalo, Selena Gomez, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Meryl Streep. Other major names include Jennifer Aniston, Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, Jane Fonda, and Ben Stiller.
“Regardless of our political affiliation, or whether we engage in politics or not, we all love our country,” the letter continues. “We also share the belief that our voices should never be silenced by those in power—because if it happens to one of us, it happens to all of us.”
Controversy Over Kimmel’s Remarks
ABC suspended Kimmel after his September 15 broadcast, when he discussed the suspect in Charlie Kirk’s killing and criticized what he called “the MAGA gang.” Days later, FCC Chair Brendan Carr urged ABC affiliates to preempt the show and called for Disney to respond, saying Kimmel engaged in “some of the sickest conduct possible.”
Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, which own ABC stations, announced they would not air “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” adding pressure on Disney and ABC. The network has not released a timeline for the host’s return.
Free Speech Debate
The ACLU letter warns that Kimmel’s suspension signals a broader attack on free expression. “This is the moment to defend free speech across our nation,” it says. “We encourage all Americans to join us, along with the ACLU, in the fight to defend and preserve our constitutionally protected rights.”
As of today, Disney has not commented publicly on the letter or the growing backlash from the entertainment industry and civil liberties groups.
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