Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show has been put on hold by Disney-owned ABC. This decision followed his comments regarding Tyler Robinson, a suspect linked to a shooting. In the wake of this suspension, many notable celebrities have come out in support of Kimmel.
Pedro Pascal, famous for his role in The Mandalorian, expressed his backing on Instagram. He wrote, “Standing with you, Jimmy Kimmel Live!” This message, paired with a photo of him and Kimmel, stirred up a larger conversation about free speech and democracy.
Other Marvel stars have taken it further, urging fans to boycott Disney and its platforms. Marisa Tomei suggested “unsubscribing” from services like Hulu and Disney+. Tatiana Maslany, known for her role in She-Hulk, also encouraged her followers to cancel their Disney+ subscriptions. Mark Ruffalo called out the entertainment industry’s misunderstanding of the current climate, emphasizing that freedom of speech is under attack.
Protests have emerged, with supporters gathering near Kimmel’s studio in Hollywood and Disney’s headquarters in Burbank, California. Activist group MoveOn has even commissioned a mobile billboard to spread the message that “we’re with Jimmy and free speech.”
Other celebrities have joined the chorus. Damon Lindelof, known for creating Lost, expressed his outrage over Kimmel’s suspension. He threatened to cease working with Disney until Kimmel is back on air. Kerry Washington, a long-time associate of ABC, also showed her support on Instagram, calling the suspension both “unfair” and “unjust.”
A statement circulating among comedians highlights the broader implications of this issue. Signed by figures like Jimmy Fallon and Chelsea Handler, it warns that “when the government targets one of us, they target us all.” This reflects sentiments shared across social media, where many see parallels to historical instances like McCarthyism, a time known for its severe restrictions on free expression.
It’s worth noting that this kind of celebrity backing isn’t new. Historically, public figures have rallied for one another during contentious events, but today’s social media landscape allows their voices to be amplified more than ever.
As this situation unfolds, it raises important questions about free speech and the role of entertainment in society. Celebrities like Handler argue that the current environment resembles some of the darkest chapters in American history, echoing concerns shared by others in the industry.
To dive deeper into the current state of free speech in America, consider checking this report on freedom of expression.
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Adam Scott,Damon Lindelof,Jimmy Kimmel,Jimmy Kimmel Live!,Kerry Washington,Marisa Tomei,Pedro Pascal
