Joe Rogan has spoken out in defence of Jimmy Kimmel following the late-night host’s temporary suspension, criticising conservatives who supported government involvement in the case.
Kimmel’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! was pulled off the air by ABC last week after the comedian made remarks about the suspected killer of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The move came amid pressure from the Trump administration. The show returned on Tuesday after nearly a week, with Kimmel addressing the controversy in an emotional monologue.
Rogan, who previously voiced support for Donald Trump during the 2024 campaign, said on his podcast that political interference in comedy should not be tolerated.
“I definitely don’t think that the government should be involved ever in dictating what a comedian can or cannot say in a monologue,” he said.
He added that conservatives risked harming themselves by supporting censorship. “The problem is the companies, if they are being pressured by the government – so if that’s real – and if people on the right are like ‘yeah, go get ’em,’ oh my God, you’re crazy. You’re crazy for supporting this because this will be used on you.”
The dispute began after Kimmel claimed that supporters of the MAGA movement were using the case for political gain by suggesting Kirk’s alleged killer was not linked to them.
Following his return to air, Kimmel told viewers that he never intended to trivialise the murder or to attribute blame to any group, instead urging resistance to political threats.
The controversy reflects the wider debate over free speech in the United States, particularly around commentary that intersects with politics.
It also comes as President Trump continues to challenge media organisations, including a recent $15 billion lawsuit against The New York Times that was dismissed by a federal judge.
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