Introduction to the Controversy
The Walt Disney Company, owner of ABC, has decided to bring back "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" after suspending the late-night show. The suspension was a result of comments made by host Jimmy Kimmel about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Disney explained that the decision to suspend production was made to avoid further igniting emotions in the country, as some comments were deemed insensitive.
The Suspension and Its Aftermath
The late-night talk show was removed from ABC "for an indefinite time" after Kimmel commented on the consequences of Charlie Kirk’s killing. This move was met with backlash from the entertainment industry, with hundreds of figures signing an open letter from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to protest against the decision. The letter was signed by notable celebrities such as Tom Hanks, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ben Stiller, and Jennifer Aniston.
The Open Letter from the ACLU
The open letter stated that the suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" marked a dark moment for freedom of speech in the nation. The letter emphasized that the government’s threat to a private company with retaliation was an attack on the livelihood of journalists, talk show hosts, artists, and entertainers. The signatories argued that this corresponds to the values on which the nation was built and that the constitution guarantees freedom of speech.
The Incident That Led to the Suspension
Kimmel had told his audience that over the weekend, they had met some new "deep state" stalls with the Maga gang trying desperately to characterize the child murdered by Charlie Kirk as anything but one of them. The comments were made after the TV station groups Nexstar Media and Sinclair removed the program, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) commissioner Brendan Carr criticized Kimmel.
The Backlash and Boycott
The move to suspend "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" led to calls to boycott Disney+ and sparked anger from members of the Republican Party, including Senator Ted Cruz. In a related incident, ABC paid $15 million to settle a defamation lawsuit with Donald Trump in December 2024. Trump also submitted a $15 billion lawsuit against The New York Times, accusing the outlet of being a mouthpiece of the Democratic Party.
The ACLU’s Call to Action
The ACLU letter ended with a call to action, urging all Americans to join in defending freedom of speech in the nation. The organization emphasized that the moment is larger than the entertainment industry and that teachers, government employees, law firms, researchers, universities, and students are also exposed to direct attacks on their freedom of expression. The letter encouraged everyone to defend and preserve their constitutionally protected rights.
