Hundreds Protest Disney's Suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Amid Free Speech Debate

Hundreds of union actors, writers, and entertainment workers protested outside Walt Disney Studios in Burbank following ABC's indefinite suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" due to controversial remarks made by Kimmel about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The protest, supported by groups including the Writers Guild of America (WGA), SAG-AFTRA, and the American Federation of Musicians, framed the suspension as an attack on free speech and the First Amendment, with many accusing ABC and Disney of succumbing to political pressure from the FCC chair Brendan Carr. Protesters carried signs criticizing Disney and ABC, some linking the decision to broader political and corporate censorship issues, and vowed ongoing demonstrations. Online, calls for boycotts of Disney, ABC, and Disney+ intensified, with viewers, writers, and former U.S. officials urging the public to cancel subscriptions and boycott Disney products to pressure the company to reinstate Kimmel. The suspension followed ABC affiliates Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcasting dropping Kimmel's show, reportedly influenced by their business interests tied to FCC approvals. The controversy stems from Kimmel's comments labeling those defending the alleged assassin as the "MAGA gang," sparking backlash and raising debate over free speech boundaries in entertainment.