400+ Hollywood Stars Defend Free Speech After Jimmy Kimmel ABC Suspension

Hundreds of Hollywood stars, including Robert De Niro, Jennifer Aniston, Tom Hanks, and Meryl Streep, have signed an open letter from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) protesting Disney-owned ABC's suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show. The suspension followed Kimmel's comments regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and came after pressure from the Trump administration and FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who threatened action against ABC if it did not discipline Kimmel. The letter argues that the government's retaliation against a private company to silence critics marks a dark moment for freedom of speech and threatens the livelihoods of journalists and entertainers. Other celebrities, such as Wanda Sykes and Marlon Wayans, have publicly criticized the suspension and called for courage and resistance to censorship. The controversy has sparked widespread debate over media censorship, with some stars advocating boycotts of Disney properties and condemning corporate acquiescence to government pressure. Overall, the incident highlights deep concerns about free speech protections in the U.S. amid political pressures on media and entertainment figures.