Jimmy Fallon has spoken out after ABC abruptly took Jimmy Kimmel Live off air due to controversy surrounding comments made by Kimmel about Republican figures and Charlie Kirk.
The controversy erupted when Kimmel made remarks about the murder of Charlie Kirk, which many found offensive. He criticized Republicans and the MAGA movement for trying to distance themselves from the individual responsible for the killing, a comment that sparked a heated backlash. Following the remarks, ABC decided to remove Kimmel’s show from its schedule, a move that was widely applauded by some, including former President Trump, who criticized Kimmel’s ratings and talent, claiming the show had failed in comparison to others.
In response to the situation, Jimmy Fallon, host of The Tonight Show, shared his thoughts, saying, “To be honest with you all, I don’t know what’s going on — no one does. But I do know Jimmy Kimmel, and he is a decent, funny, and loving guy. And I hope he comes back.”
Jimmy Kimmel’s show has been take off air for the foreseeable (Chad Salvador/Variety via Getty Images)
While Fallon’s comments took a lighter tone, other celebrities like Ben Stiller and late-night icon David Letterman have also expressed concern over the situation. Letterman, during a festival appearance, called Kimmel’s suspension “ridiculous,” criticizing the state of media and how political pressures can affect speech. He described the situation as a form of “managed media” and argued that people should not be penalized for not aligning with an “authoritarian” leader.
Other late-night hosts, such as Seth Meyers, have also weighed in, jokingly addressing the controversy on air, while Stephen Colbert called ABC’s decision a “blatant assault on the freedom of speech.”
The debate surrounding the issue has garnered significant attention, with various talk show hosts and celebrities rallying behind Kimmel, expressing their support for free speech and their belief in Kimmel’s character.
