400+ Entertainers Rally Behind Jimmy Kimmel in ACLU-Led Open Letter

400 Entertainers Co-Sign ACLU Letter Supporting Jimmy Kimmel A coalition of over 400 entertainers, including prominent actors, musicians, and film directors, has signed an open letter organized by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in support of late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel. The move comes after ABC indefinitely suspended Kimmel's show under pressure from the Trump Administration. The letter, which was released on September 22, 2025, deciphers "a dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation" and expresses concern over the government's actions against journalists and entertainers. Among the signatories are A-list celebrities such as Pedro Pascal, Selena Gomez, Tom Hanks, Maya Rudolph, Robert De Niro, and Olivia Rodrigo. "We're seeing a disturbing trend where our government is using its power to silence voices it doesn't like," said ACLU spokesperson, Anthony D. Romero. "This is not just about Jimmy Kimmel; it's about the fundamental right to free speech that all Americans enjoy." The controversy began when the Trump Administration pressured ABC to suspend Kimmel's show after he made comments critical of the government's handling of a recent crisis. The move has sparked widespread outrage among entertainment industry professionals, who see it as an attack on freedom of expression. "This is a dark moment for our nation," said actress and singer, Selena Gomez, one of the signatories to the letter. "We're not just talking about Jimmy Kimmel; we're talking about the principle that all Americans have the right to express themselves without fear of retribution." The background context of this story lies in the ongoing debate over government control of media and the role of journalists in holding those in power accountable. The suspension of Kimmel's show has sparked a national conversation about the importance of free speech and the need for a free press. "This is not just about ABC or Jimmy Kimmel; it's about the fundamental right to free speech that all Americans enjoy," said Romero. "We're seeing a disturbing trend where our government is using its power to silence voices it doesn't like." The current status of the situation remains uncertain, with ABC yet to comment on when Kimmel's show will resume. The ACLU has vowed to continue fighting for freedom of expression and the rights of journalists and entertainers. As the debate continues, many in the entertainment industry are speaking out against government overreach and calling for greater protection of free speech. "This is a wake-up call for all of us," said actor and director, Pedro Pascal. "We need to stand up for our right to express ourselves without fear of retribution." The implications of this story extend far beyond the entertainment industry, with many experts warning that government control of media can have serious consequences for democracy. "This is a slippery slope," said First Amendment lawyer, Floyd Abrams. "If the government can silence Jimmy Kimmel, what's next? Will they start silencing other journalists and entertainers who speak out against them?" As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the fight for freedom of expression has only just begun. Additional Perspectives "This is a dark moment for our nation," said actress and singer, Maya Rudolph. "We're not just talking about Jimmy Kimmel; we're talking about the principle that all Americans have the right to express themselves without fear of retribution." "The government's actions against Jimmy Kimmel are a clear attack on freedom of speech," said Robert De Niro, one of the signatories to the letter. "We need to stand up for our right to express ourselves without fear of retribution." Latest Developments ABC has yet to comment on when Kimmel's show will resume. The ACLU continues to fight for freedom of expression and the rights of journalists and entertainers. Many in the entertainment industry are speaking out against government overreach and calling for greater protection of free speech. *Reporting by Npr.*