How do the stars react to the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s show?
24 september 2025 в 19:37
While some conservative figures supported ABC’s decision to suspend the show Jimmy Kimmel Live! after Jimmy Kimmel’s comments about murder suspect conservative activist Charlie Kirk, this decision quickly sparked outrage in the entertainment world. Late night colleagues and famous friends condemned the network’s choice to suspend Kimmel, calling it a blow to freedom of expression in comedy. Now, after more than a week off the air, the late night comedian returned to ABC, using his comeback in the monologue to directly address the controversy.
Below, Hollywood Life gathered how late night colleagues and celebrities reacted to Kimmel’s suspension.
Joe Rogan said on his podcast on September 23, «I definitely don’t think the government should be involved when it comes to what a comedian can or cannot say in a monologue».
«The problem is, if companies are being pressured by the government — so if that’s true — and if people on the right are saying 'yeah, go get them,' oh my god, you’re crazy. You’re crazy for supporting this, because it will be used against you», - he added.
Calling Kimmel his «fellow countryman», - Maher disagreed with ABC comedian’s «MAGA crowd comment», - but defended his right to freedom of speech.
«Well, I guess you all heard about Jimmy Kimmel, my friend, my fellow countryman», - Maher began. «He was fired by ABC for comments he made about Charlie Kirk’s killer. … Jimmy, buddy, I’m with you, I support you, and on the positive side, you no longer have to pretend you like Disneyland. It was always a great part for me when I got fired from there».
«The big story is that Jimmy Kimmel was suspended by ABC after pressure from the FCC, leaving everyone wondering, 'What the hell?'» joked Jimmy Fallon at the beginning of his monologue before becoming more serious. «Honestly, I don’t know what’s going on, and no one does. But I know Jimmy Kimmel, and he’s a nice, funny, loving guy, and I hope he comes back».
Fallon then used a «Big Brother» style voice to censor everything he said against Donald Trump.
Stephen Colbert, whose show was canceled by CBS in July 2025, did not hesitate to criticize ABC in his monologue.
«Welcome, everyone, to The Late Show. I’m your host Stephen Colbert, but tonight we’re all Jimmy Kimmel», - Colbert began, accusing ABC of «obvious censorship … you can’t give an inch to an autocrat, and if ABC thinks this will satisfy the regime, they are extremely naive».
Jon Stewart made a surprise appearance on Thursday night on The Daily Show to joke about the fear of censorship.
«We have another fun, funny, administration-appropriate show!» John said, pretending to be scared. His hyperbolic compliments about Trump included calling him «father», - for example.
Wanda Sykes, who was supposed to be a guest on Kimmel’s show before it was suspended, took to social media to share her reaction.
«I was supposed to go and chat with my friend Jimmy Kimmel on his show, but as you’ve heard, Jimmy Kimmel’s show was canceled indefinitely, suddenly, because of complaints from the Trump administration», - Sykes said in an Instagram video. «So, let’s see, he didn’t end the war in Ukraine or resolve Gaza in his first week, but he really ended freedom of speech in his first year. Hey, for those of you who pray, now is the time to do it. Love you, Jimmy»
Below, Hollywood Life gathered how late night colleagues and celebrities reacted to Kimmel’s suspension.
Joe Rogan said on his podcast on September 23, «I definitely don’t think the government should be involved when it comes to what a comedian can or cannot say in a monologue».
«The problem is, if companies are being pressured by the government — so if that’s true — and if people on the right are saying 'yeah, go get them,' oh my god, you’re crazy. You’re crazy for supporting this, because it will be used against you», - he added.
Calling Kimmel his «fellow countryman», - Maher disagreed with ABC comedian’s «MAGA crowd comment», - but defended his right to freedom of speech.
«Well, I guess you all heard about Jimmy Kimmel, my friend, my fellow countryman», - Maher began. «He was fired by ABC for comments he made about Charlie Kirk’s killer. … Jimmy, buddy, I’m with you, I support you, and on the positive side, you no longer have to pretend you like Disneyland. It was always a great part for me when I got fired from there».
«The big story is that Jimmy Kimmel was suspended by ABC after pressure from the FCC, leaving everyone wondering, 'What the hell?'» joked Jimmy Fallon at the beginning of his monologue before becoming more serious. «Honestly, I don’t know what’s going on, and no one does. But I know Jimmy Kimmel, and he’s a nice, funny, loving guy, and I hope he comes back».
Fallon then used a «Big Brother» style voice to censor everything he said against Donald Trump.
Stephen Colbert, whose show was canceled by CBS in July 2025, did not hesitate to criticize ABC in his monologue.
«Welcome, everyone, to The Late Show. I’m your host Stephen Colbert, but tonight we’re all Jimmy Kimmel», - Colbert began, accusing ABC of «obvious censorship … you can’t give an inch to an autocrat, and if ABC thinks this will satisfy the regime, they are extremely naive».
Jon Stewart made a surprise appearance on Thursday night on The Daily Show to joke about the fear of censorship.
«We have another fun, funny, administration-appropriate show!» John said, pretending to be scared. His hyperbolic compliments about Trump included calling him «father», - for example.
Wanda Sykes, who was supposed to be a guest on Kimmel’s show before it was suspended, took to social media to share her reaction.
«I was supposed to go and chat with my friend Jimmy Kimmel on his show, but as you’ve heard, Jimmy Kimmel’s show was canceled indefinitely, suddenly, because of complaints from the Trump administration», - Sykes said in an Instagram video. «So, let’s see, he didn’t end the war in Ukraine or resolve Gaza in his first week, but he really ended freedom of speech in his first year. Hey, for those of you who pray, now is the time to do it. Love you, Jimmy»
© Artemenko Olga
