400 Hollywood Stars Back Jimmy Kimmel Over Free Speech Suspension

Hundreds of Hollywood celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, and Robert De Niro, have signed an open letter organized by the ACLU condemning ABC's indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! following controversial remarks Kimmel made about MAGA supporters' reactions to the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The letter denounces government pressure and threats from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, which led broadcast affiliates Nexstar and Sinclair to pre-empt Kimmel's show, as a threat to free speech and constitutional freedoms, likening it to a modern McCarthy era. The signatories emphasize that defending free expression is vital for all Americans, across political affiliations, and warn that silencing one voice endangers all. The suspension has ignited widespread debate over media freedom, government influence, and corporate responsibility, drawing criticism even from some Republican leaders and leading to calls for boycotts of Disney and its subsidiaries. Prominent figures from Disney's own franchises, including Star Wars actor Mark Hamill and Marvel actor Pedro Pascal, have publicly supported Kimmel and condemned ABC and Disney's decision, expressing concerns about censorship and authoritarianism. Discussions continue about reinstating Kimmel's show amid growing public and industry pressure.