Late-Night Hosts Rally Behind Jimmy Kimmel After Suspension
Jimmy Kimmel’s indefinite suspension from ABC has sparked an unprecedented wave of solidarity across late-night television, turning a single controversy into a broader fight over free speech and political comedy.
The uproar began after Kimmel’s monologue on conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Critics accused him of misrepresenting the shooter’s politics, while FCC chair Brendan Carr condemned his remarks as “sick,” prompting ABC to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! from its lineup. President Trump celebrated the decision, calling Kimmel “a loser” and urging networks to cancel other hosts.
Jimmy Fallon was among the first to respond, offering cautious support: “Jimmy Kimmel is a decent, funny, and loving guy. I hope he comes back.” Fallon even staged censored jokes about Trump to highlight the chilling effect on comedy. He later admitted texting Kimmel and stressed that entertainers “need people to be happy in this crazy world.”