Hollywood and politicians react after ABC pulls Jimmy Kimmel Live!

ABC’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! has ignited a wave of reactions across Hollywood, politics, and labor unions, with many framing the decision as a direct challenge to free speech.

The late-night show was pulled after Kimmel’s controversial comments about conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who was recently killed in a campus shooting.

Nexstar, ABC’s largest affiliate group, was reported to have pushed for action, while FCC Chair Brendan Carr praised the move as necessary to uphold “community values.”

Actor Ben Stiller voiced his disapproval in a blunt statement: “This isn’t right.”

Comedian Wanda Sykes called the suspension “an attack on free speech,” warning that silencing comedy undermines the art form itself.

Other entertainers echoed these concerns.

Mike Birbiglia argued that comedians have a duty to push boundaries without facing disproportionate punishment, while Sophia Bush and Kathy Griffin tied the decision to a broader culture of censorship in entertainment.

Political leaders also entered the debate. Senator Cory Booker described the suspension as “deeply concerning,” while California Governor Gavin Newsom warned it was “an alarming signal” about media freedoms in the US Rep. Jasmine Crockett accused conservatives of hypocrisy, pointing out selective outrage over controversial speech.

Unions quickly took a firm stance. Both the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA criticized ABC’s decision, warning that it could chill the work of writers, performers, and others in creative industries where satire and commentary are central.

The controversy has grown beyond late-night television, sparking a wider conversation about how media companies balance corporate interests, political pressure, and freedom of expression.

ABC has yet to clarify when, or if, Kimmel will return, but the fallout has already cemented the suspension as a major flashpoint for Hollywood and Washington alike.