Protest held in Hollywood after ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ suspended indefinitely

Jimmy Kimmel suspension draws free speech debate

Legal expert Lou Shapiro joined us to discuss the free speech debate surrounding ABC's decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live!

LOS ANGELES - Protesters gathered in Hollywood on Thursday after ABC pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air following his remarks about the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. 

A protest was held outside Disney studios in Burbank and the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, denouncing the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel Live! In Hollywood, many were particularly upset at seeing crews taking pieces of a set out of the theater and loading them onto trucks. 

Just a few blocks away, veteran journalist Chris Wallace was getting his star on the Walk of Fame. Joined by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jay Leno, he was asked about the Kimmel situation, saying that while he is not familiar with the particulars of what is behind the company's decision, he is concerned about the effects of what's happening on free speech. Jay Leno added that he supports Kimmel, and that the market should decide what shows survive, not political implications. At the same time, he says Kimmel is very talented, and wonders if his show will come back when things cool down. 

Jay Leno shares support for Jimmy Kimmel, free speech

Former late-night show host Jay Leno shared his support for Jimmy Kimmel as the latter's show got suspended by ABC stations over the "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" host's comments about Charlie Kirk.

Strong reactions from politicians 

What they're saying:

From political leaders to public figures to social media, many are weighing in on Jimmy Kimmel Live! being pulled off-air indefinitely by ABC over the host’s comments about Charlie Kirk.

Jimmy Kimmel. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation) (Getty Images)

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Jimmy Kimmel Live! pulled by ABC stations over host's Charlie Kirk comments

Some people have expressed frustration over ABC pulling the Emmy Award-winning show off the air indefinitely, arguing the suspension is an attack on free speech. Meanwhile, others say Kimmel clearly crossed the line and should be canceled.

President Donald Trump

President Donald Trump weighed in on Truth Social calling this move, "Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done."

In the post, Trump goes on to say, "Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that’s possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!! President DJT"

Former President Barack Obama

"After years of complaining about cancel culture, the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level by routinely threatening regulatory action against media companies unless they muzzle or fire reporters and commentators it doesn’t like," wrote former President Barack Obama on X.

California Rep. Robert Garcia

"Every American has a duty to stand up for our First Amendment values. We will not be silent as our freedoms are threatened by corrupt schemes and threats. Anyone who is complicit will need to answer to us," said Ranking Member Robert Garcia.

Local perspective:

The show's suspension is also impacting people behind the scenes.

The Writers Guild of America says it stands with Jimmy Kimmel and his writers.

"The right to speak our minds and to disagree with each other – to disturb, even – is at the very heart of what it means to be a free people. It is not to be denied. Not by violence, not by the abuse of governmental power, nor by acts of corporate cowardice," they wrote in part in a released statement.

Reaction to Jimmy Kimmel pulled with Michael Schneider

Variety's Executive Editor for television shares his reaction and insight to what may be next after ABC pulls Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show indefinitely.

One man who spoke with FOX 11 said he didn't like Kimmel's comments about the Kirk assassination but said the cancellation seemed excessive. "I didn't think what he said was funny, and didn't like it, but he should have been able to go on air and apologize" he explained.

Fellow comics react to Jimmy Kimmel's suspension

The news of Jimmy Kimmel Live! getting pulled by ABC stations have drawn concerns of free speech being compromised by the Trump administration and the MAGA base.

What's next:

At this point, Jimmy Kimmel has issued no statements, or plans for any apology.