Disney’s decision to yank Jimmy Kimmel Live over the host’s scathing critique of the “MAGA gang” following the shooting of Charlie Kirk has uncorked a widespread torrent of fury.
While former game show host Donald Trump cheered the decision (following through on a threat made weeks ago) and even stepped up his threats, his media enforcer, FCC chairman Brendan Carr, gloated like a middle school bully, the pushback has been overwhelming.
A litany of stars – Ben Stiller, John Legend, Halsey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Henry Winkler, and others – slammed the move.
Wanda Sykes, who was scheduled to be a guest on Kimmel’s show yesterday, issued a video statement, in which she said (among other things) “So, let’s see, he didn’t end the Ukraine war or solve Gaza within his first week but he did end freedom of speech within his first year. Hey, for those of you who pray, now’s the time to do it. Love you, Jimmy.”
Politicians including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who called the firing of commentators and cancelling of shows “coordinated” and “dangerous”, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer have blasted the move. Senator Chris Murphy called the move a “red alert moment.”
Even conservatives on Capitol Hill are becoming wary of Trump’s crackdown on free speech. “I don’t want the government deciding what is legitimate speech or not. I just don’t,” Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said Wednesday.
The Arizona Republic‘s Bill Goodykoontz called it “the latest, and probably worst, example of media companies acquiescing to threats from Donald Trump and his administration.” Over at Vox, Zack Beauchamp called it “Trump’s most brazen attack on free speech yet.” And MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski brilliantly torched FCC boss Brandon Carr’s hypocrisy – using his own words!
WaPo‘s Lili Loofbourow connects the dots: “Media companies must punish Trump critics if they want their mega-mergers approved.”
Meanwhile Sinclair Media, top executive officer David Smith has made no secret about his protofascist leanings, piled on with demands that Kimmel apologize and be force to pay the far-right organization Turning Point USA.
Kimmel was sighted leaving his studio yesterday amid heightened security as protesters outside blasted the decision.
The Kimmel firing is not the only media outrage that has viewers furious. Fans of South Park are overwhelmingly convinced that the the next episode of the show was “delayed” over this season’s second episode Charlie Kirk controversy.
STILL DEVELOPING…