Hollywood Rallies for Jimmy Kimmel After ABC Suspension Sparks Boycotts
A broad consensus within Hollywood criticized ABC's decision to remove Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night program from broadcast following remarks he made concerning the death of polarizing commentator Charlie Kirk.
The dispute originated from statements Kimmel delivered during his September 15 monologue, addressing how conservatives responded to the September 12 arrest of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who was linked to Kirk’s fatal shooting.
Robinson is accused of firing at Kirk during the conservative analyst’s address at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on September 10. The individual suspected of the shooting faces charges including a capital offense, aggravated murder, and the unlawful discharge of a firearm, alongside additional charges of obstructing justice, tampering with a witness, and committing a violent act in front of a minor. Robinson has yet to formally respond to the charges and will be held without bond at Utah County Jail until at least a waiver hearing scheduled for Monday, September 29.
During his commentary on Robinson’s apprehension, Kimmel stated to his audience on September 15: “The MAGA faction [is] frantically attempting to portray this young man who killed Charlie Kirk as separate from their group, while making every effort to gain political advantage from the situation. Amidst the blame game, there was sorrow.”
Which Channel Airs Jimmy Kimmel? The Background of His Talk Show Following Its Suspension
On September 17, a representative for Disney-owned ABC informed Us Weekly that “Jimmy Kimmel Live! is being indefinitely removed from the schedule,” after Nexstar Media and Sinclair Broadcast Group, two of the country’s biggest TV station companies, pledged to prevent the program from airing on their regional channels.
Within the initial two days following his removal, over 90,000 individuals endorsed a MoveOn.Org petition demanding Kimmel’s return. A significant number of public figures — among them David Letterman and various other late-night personalities — openly expressed their dissatisfaction, deeming Kimmel’s suspension unjust, with some directly urging boycotts of Disney until Jimmy Kimmel Live! resumes broadcasting.
Continue reading for a summary of notable personalities who are protesting Disney in response to Kimmel’s suspension.
Tatiana Maslany
The award-winning actress portrayed the Marvel superhero Jennifer Walters in the Disney+ production She-Hulk and had anticipated returning to her character within the MCU at a later time.
Maslany shared an image of herself, dressed as She-Hulk in a motion-capture outfit, to acknowledge her association with Disney. She subsequently urged her audience to “terminate your @disneyplus @hulu @espn memberships” through her Instagram Story.
Damon Lindelof
The critically acclaimed writer and producer, a three-time Emmy Award recipient, created the influential series Lost, which was broadcast on ABC and can currently be streamed on Disney+ and Hulu, with Hulu being under the ownership of Disney Streaming.
Lindelof composed a fervent defense of Kimmel on Instagram on September 18, describing the late-night presenter as “compassionate, understanding, and appreciative.”
“You are aware of his patriotism. You know he enjoys a good comedic jab and handles criticism as well as he delivers it,” the writer behind Leftovers and Watchmen further stated. “You know he stood by his team during numerous industrial actions, and you know he is benevolent and charitable, and above all, you know him to be kind.”
The Response of Late Night Television to Jimmy Kimmel's Removal From ABC
The cocreator of Lost asserted that he felt “astonished, sorrowful, and enraged” by ABC’s choice to sideline Kimmel — and pledged to cease collaborating with Disney until the situation was rectified.
“I anticipate [the suspension] being reversed shortly,” he went on to say. “Should it not be, I cannot ethically continue employment with the entity that enforced it. If you’re preparing to engage in my comments, simply consider whether you distinguish between offensive rhetoric and humor. I believe you still do. And Jimmy? You have PERPETUALLY been aware of your actions. My affection and backing are with you.”
Lindelof gained endorsements from several individuals, including The Leftovers actress Amy Brenneman, humorist Bobcat Goldthwait, and Watchmen cast member Frances Fisher.
David S. Goyer
The contributing writer for Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice responded to Lindelof’s Instagram update, verifying his own refusal to collaborate with Disney until Jimmy Kimmel Live! was reinstated.
“Include my name. I’ve also terminated my Disney Plus and Hulu subscriptions,” he declared.
Amy Landecker
The star of Transparent mentioned Disney+ in an Instagram message, affirming her decision to discontinue her membership to the streaming platform.
Sierra Swan
The ex-member of the Black Eyed Peas commented on Landecker’s Instagram update, vowing to also cancel her Disney memberships.
“Indeed. This is our initial step,” Swan remarked.
Howard Stern
During the September 22 broadcast of The Howard Stern Show, the radio personality announced he had initiated measures against Disney.
“While it may seem trivial, my action this morning was to cancel my Disney+ subscription. I am attempting to express through financial means that I do not endorse their treatment of Jimmy,” he stated.
Robin Quivers, Stern’s co-presenter, indicated her intention to also discontinue her subscription.
