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Hollywood celebrities have rushed to Jimmy Kimmel’s defence after he was ‘indefinitely’ taken off the air because of comments about Charlie Kirk.
The late-night talk show host claimed that the ‘MAGA gang’ was trying to gain political points over Kirk’s murder during his monologue.
The 31-year-old right-wing political commentator was fatally shot while speaking at a campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10.
Kimmel said during a broadcast of his show on Wednesday: ‘The MAGA Gang [is] desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.’ In between the finger-pointing, there was grieving.’
He then went on to show a clip of Donald Trump, sarcastically remarking how ‘hard the president is taking this’ who talks about the White House’s ballroom construction after being asked by a reporter about Kirk’s death.
A spokesperson for Disney’s ABC has announced that it will be pulling Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely.
The network’s affiliate group, Nexstar, also shared on Wednesday that it ‘strongly objects’ to the talk show host’s comments and ‘will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets’.
Now, however, a host of A-Listers from Ben Stiller to Jamie Lee Curtis and Wanda Sykes have pushed back against the decision.
Writing on X, Ben Stiller reposted the news of ABC taking Kimmel off the air and said: ‘This isn’t right.’
Actor Josh Gad, known from Frozen, added: ‘I see we are at the passive participation of authoritarianism now. God help us all.’
Barry star Henry Winkler wrote on X: ‘@jimmykimmel his humor, his insights are important to keep showing us who we are . AND he is a most wonderful fellow’ [sic]
Posting on Instagram, Community and Together star Alison Brie shared: ‘This is unreal. And very scary.’
Community actor Alison Brie shared a news alert on Instagram: ‘This is unreal. And very scary.’
Comedian Wanda Sykes posted a video saying: ‘He didn’t end the Ukraine war or solve Gaza within his first week. But he did end freedom of speech within his first year. Hey, for those of you who pray, now’s the time to do it. Love you, Jimmy.’
Jamie Lee Curtis, 66, also reposted a photo of Kimmel to her Instagram Story with a quote attributed to the comedian, saying: ‘I don’t think anybody should be canceled. I really don’t.’
This comes after she burst into tears earlier this week discussing the death of Kirk
Following his suspension, SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America have released statements condemning Kimmel’s suspension.
‘The decision to suspend airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! is the type of suppression and retaliation that endangers everyone’s freedoms,’ they said.
Kirk’s suspected shooter Tyler Robinson, 22, has since been taken into custody and appeared in court on Tuesday on multiple charges, including aggravated murder.
Kimmel insinuated that Robinson was conservative despite investigators stating that he has far-left ideologies and was in a romantic relationship with his transgender roommate.
Nexstar Media, which is the largest local broadcast and digital media company in the U.S, recently announced plans to acquire rival broadcast company Tegna for $6.2 billion that wouldput Nexstar in 80% of America’s TV-owning households.
The acquisition requires final approval from the Trump-controlled Federal Communications Commission.
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