Ben Stiller, Wanda Sykes and Jamie Lee Curtis are among the Hollywood stars condemning ABC’s decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show “indefinitely” following his remarks about the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk.
Disney’s ABC confirmed the decision on Wednesday, 17 September, less than a week after Kirk, 31, was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University.
During his 15 September broadcast, Kimmel criticised attempts to “score political points” over the shooting, telling viewers: “The MAGA Gang (is) desperately trying to characterise 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.”
Nexstar Media, America’s largest local broadcaster and soon-to-be owner of rival network Tegna, said it “strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk” and would replace the show in its ABC-affiliated markets.
FCC chair Brendan Carr swiftly praised Nexstar’s decision, saying it was important for broadcasters to push back on Disney programming that “falls short of community values.”
The move drew sharp criticism from fellow performers and public figures. Ben Stiller simply posted on X (formerly Twitter): “This isn’t right.”
Singer John Legend and actress Jamie Lee Curtis both linked posts on their Instagram stories.
Curtis’s link showed an image of Kimmel and a quote he gave to Rolling Stone magazine in April, when he said: “I really don’t think anybody should be cancelled. I really don’t.”
Model and actress Christie Brinkley posted a photo of Kimmel and others on her Instagram, adding: “I love these guys. The laughter they provide is as important as the air we breathe.
“We must protect their and our first amendment rights!”
Sophia Bush warned: “The First Amendment doesn’t exist in America anymore. Period. Fascism is here and it’s chilling.”
Henry Winkler wrote: “@jimmykimmel his humor, his insights are important to keep showing us who we are. AND he is a most wonderful fellow.”
Comedian Wanda Sykes, who had been due to appear on Kimmel’s show that night, shared a video on Instagram: “Let’s see. 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.”
Hacks actress Jean Smart, who shared a photo of her with Kimmel, asked: “What is happening to our country? I am horrified at the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel Live.”
“What Jimmy said was FREE speech, not hate speech. People seem to only want to protect free speech when it suits THEIR agenda. Though I didn’t agree at ALL with Charlie Kirk; his shooting death sickened me; and should have sickened any decent human being.”
Kathy Griffin urged followers to rally behind the host: “Please, take it from me, it is very important to have Jimmy Kimmel’s back right now. Be vocal. Be an ideological consumer. Money is all their crown cares about.”
Meanwhile Halsey shared a screengrab from a news announcement on her Instagram Stories, writing, “we're in the 'tell on your friends and neighbors', 'extreme censorship', 'indistinguishable propaganda' part of the fascism, in case it wasn't clear.”
@jimmykimmel his humor, his insights are important to keep showing us who we are . AND he is a most wonderful fellow
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) September 18, 2025
Alison Brie also posted a screenshot of the news on her Instagram Stories, calling the decision, “This is unreal. And very scary.”
The Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (Sag-Aftra) released a statement saying: “Sag-Aftra condemns the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
“Our society depends on freedom of expression. Suppression of free speech and retaliation for speaking out on significant issues of public concern run counter to the fundamental rights we all rely on.
“Democracy thrives when diverse points of view are expressed.
“The decision to suspend airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! is the type of suppression and retaliation that endangers everyone’s freedoms.”
