The late-night landscape was shaken to its core this week as ABC confirmed that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would be placed on indefinite hiatus, following the host’s comments about the death of right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk. The announcement, made on Wednesday, September 17, by a spokesperson for Disney’s ABC, has ignited a firestorm of reactions from Hollywood’s biggest names, who are speaking out against what many are calling a direct attack on free speech.

A Sudden Hiatus and a Divided Nation

Jimmy Kimmel Live! has long been a staple of late-night television—an arena where comedy, politics, and celebrity culture collide. But on Wednesday, viewers learned the show would be paused indefinitely, with no clear timeline for return. The decision came just days after Kimmel addressed the shocking death of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, who was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10.

During his September 15 broadcast, Kimmel commented on the aftermath of Kirk’s death, referencing political divisions and the reactions of various groups. “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,” Kimmel said.

Nexstar’s Move and FCC Response

The fallout was swift. Nexstar Media, the largest local broadcast and digital media company in the country, announced it would replace Jimmy Kimmel Live! with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets, citing strong objections to Kimmel’s remarks. The company’s recent $6.2 billion move to acquire Tegna—pending approval from the Trump-controlled Federal Communications Commission—has only heightened the scrutiny.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr praised Nexstar’s decision, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “It is important for broadcasters to push back on Disney programming that they determine falls short of community values.” The message was clear: the media landscape is shifting, and the boundaries of acceptable speech are being fiercely debated.

Hollywood’s Immediate Response

As news of the hiatus broke, celebrities across Hollywood took to social media to voice their outrage, concern, and support for Kimmel.

Comedian Wanda Sykes, scheduled to appear on Kimmel’s show the night of the announcement, posted a heartfelt video on Instagram: “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.”

Mike Birbiglia, another comedian, wrote, “If you’re a comedian and don’t call out the insanity of pulling Kimmel off the air—don’t bother spouting off about free speech anymore.”

Roseanne Barr quipped on X, “I’m available to fill in @ABCNetwork,” while Rosie O’Donnell posted a photo of Kimmel with the caption, “this is unacceptable – f— this fascist administration and corrupt corporate executives – bowing to the orange monster – america is no more 🥲.”

Megyn Kelly weighed in, “Just think for a minute about the amount of IRATE mail/viewer feedback they must have gotten to do this.”

Chris Hayes called it “the most straightforward attack on free speech from state actors I’ve ever seen in my life and it’s not even close.”

Ben Stiller simply declared, “This isn’t right,” while Sophia Bush lamented, “The First Amendment doesn’t exist in America anymore. Period. Fascism is here and it’s chilling.”

The Ripple Effect: More Than Just a TV Show

The reactions didn’t stop with comedians. Politicians, musicians, and actors joined the chorus of concern.

Senator Cory Booker posted the text of the First Amendment on Instagram. Representative Jasmine Crockett wrote on X, “Kimmel hurts MAGA’S feelings by holding a mirror up & so the first amendment is out the window and his show is pulled… who is going to tell them that, that is the definition of being a snowflake… as well as supporting anti-democratic ideals? (Not patriotic at all).”

She continued, highlighting a lack of outrage over recent comments and violence targeting vulnerable populations, questioning the selective application of outrage and free speech protections.

Kathy Griffin urged fans to “have Jimmy Kimmel’s back right now. Be vocal. Be an ideological consumer. Money is all their crown cares about.”

Jean Smart posted a photo with Kimmel, writing, “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.”

Don Lemon warned, “This should send a chill down everyone’s spine in America!” while Henry Winkler praised Kimmel’s humor and insights as “important to keep showing us who we are.”

John Legend shared a screengrab of David Frum’s post: “How dare you call us fascists just because our appointees threaten government retaliation against broadcast networks if their comedians don’t say what we want them to say.”

Jon Cryer tongue-in-cheek anticipated Elon Musk’s “spirited defense of Jimmy Kimmel’s free speech.”

Christie Brinkley called for protection of “their and OUR 1st Amendment RIGHTS!!!!” and Halsey posted, “we’re in the ‘tell on your friends and neighbors’, ‘extreme censorship’, ‘indistinguishable propaganda’ part of the fascism, in case it wasn’t clear.”

Adam Scott called the situation “absurd and frightening,” sharing his support for Kimmel and his team.

Governor Gavin Newsom weighed in, “Buying and controlling media platforms. Firing commentators. Canceling shows. These aren’t coincidences. It’s coordinated. And it’s dangerous.”

Alison Brie summed up the mood: “This is unreal. And very scary.”

The National Conversation: Free Speech Under Fire?

The controversy has reignited a national conversation about free speech, corporate influence, and the role of media in democracy. Geraldo Rivera struck a balanced note: “Censorship sucks, but so does inflaming hatred. America’s in a tight spot right now. We don’t have to agree, but we have to respect each other.”

Josh Gad warned of “passive participation of authoritarianism,” while Jason Bateman, speaking on the Today show, urged, “You can’t just stand by and let stuff like that go on.”

Bateman clarified his concern: “Jimmy getting his show pull for Freedom of Speech.”

What Happens Next?

As ABC remains silent on the future of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the entertainment industry and its millions of viewers are left wondering what comes next. The show’s indefinite hiatus is more than a programming change—it’s a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over speech, censorship, and the power of media conglomerates.

For now, Kimmel’s supporters are rallying, demanding answers and accountability. The question lingers: In an era of consolidation and polarization, will voices like Kimmel’s—and the comedians, critics, and artists who challenge the status quo—find their way back to America’s screens?

One thing is certain: This story is far from over. The battle lines have been drawn, and Hollywood is not backing down.