Hollywood is rallying behind Jimmy Kimmel after ABC announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! is going on indefinite hiatus. The move followed Kimmel’s on-air comments about the fatal shooting of right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk, who was killed while speaking at a Utah campus. During a recent broadcast, Kimmel criticized efforts to politicize Kirk’s death, saying conservatives were “doing everything they can to score political points from it.” Nexstar Media, the country’s largest local broadcaster, objected to the remarks and said it would drop the show from its stations. The announcement came as Nexstar awaits approval of its massive Tegna merger, which would give the company reach into 80% of American households. Stars from across the entertainment world quickly voiced support for Kimmel. Wanda Sykes, who had been booked as a guest, called the move a blow to free speech. Mike Birbiglia said comedians who stay silent on the issue have no standing to defend free expression. Jean Smart stressed that Kimmel’s remarks weren’t hate speech, while Kathy Griffin urged fans to “have his back.” Ben Stiller, Sophia Bush, Chris Hayes, and John Legend all warned that the decision sets a dangerous precedent. Politicians like Sen. Cory Booker and Rep. Jasmine Crockett shared similar concerns, while California Gov. Gavin Newsom accused Republicans of coordinated censorship.
