Late Night Hosts Rally Behind Jimmy Kimmel Amid Suspension
In a rare display of solidarity, late night hosts from across the industry have come out in support of Jimmy Kimmel, whose show was pulled off the air by ABC following threats from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr.
The controversy began on Monday when Kimmel made comments about the suspect in Charlie Kirk's killing, calling it "senseless" and criticizing those who tried to politicize the incident. By Wednesday, Carr was threatening ABC owner Disney, saying, "We can do this the easy way or the hard way," implying that the FCC could take action against the network.
"We are all Jimmy Kimmel," said Stephen Colbert, host of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. "If they're going to come after one of us, they're going to have to come after all of us."
Colbert's sentiment was echoed by other late night hosts, including Trevor Noah, who called the FCC's actions "a clear attack on free speech." Seth Meyers, host of Late Night with Seth Meyers, added that the incident highlights the dangers of government censorship.
"This is not just about Jimmy Kimmel or his show," Meyers said. "It's about the freedom to speak truth to power and hold those in charge accountable."
The controversy has sparked a wider debate about the role of late night television in American politics and the limits of free speech. Industry insiders point out that the FCC's actions are unprecedented, and some have questioned whether Carr's threats constitute an abuse of power.
"This is a clear attempt by the Trump administration to silence dissenting voices," said one industry insider, who wished to remain anonymous. "It's a chilling reminder of the dangers of government overreach."
The current status of Kimmel's show remains uncertain, with ABC refusing to comment on when or if it will return to the air. In the meantime, late night hosts continue to rally behind their colleague, using their platforms to speak out against censorship and defend the principles of free speech.
As one host put it, "We may have different opinions and styles, but we all share a commitment to telling the truth and holding those in power accountable."
*Reporting by Npr.*
