This week, Bill Maher made a bold statement during his live show, earning a rousing applause as he spoke out against ABC’s decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live!. He compared this incident to his own cancellation from the same network more than two decades ago.
With a hint of humor, Maher quipped, “I know why you’re happy tonight: I’m still on.” He then launched into a monologue that struck a chord with the audience. Maher noted that many talk show hosts seem to be facing difficulties, joking, “Talk show hosts are going down like Blockbusters in the ’90s.” He made headlines when he called out tech mogul Elon Musk directly, asking, “Have you lost weight? You look terrific,” prompting laughter and cheers.
Reflecting on his past, Maher stated, “It was 24 years ago today that I made comments on ABC that got me canceled.” His comments during a politically charged time in 2001 sparked controversy, showing how quickly public opinion can shift and change. At that time, Maher argued that the U.S. was more cowardly for bombing from afar than the terrorists who struck on September 11. His remarks led to significant backlash, resulting in sponsors withdrawing support and some affiliates pulling his show.
Support for Kimmel poured in from various late-night hosts. Many, like Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon, criticized ABC’s actions, viewing them as an attack on free speech. Kimmel’s suspension came after he joked about Donald Trump’s reaction to the death of a right-wing figure, prompting a threat from FCC Chair Brendan Carr over the joke.
The displacement of Kimmel’s show has shaken the late-night landscape. Nexstar, the largest TV station group, announced it would pull the show “for the foreseeable future,” with Sinclair Broadcast Group also demanding Kimmel apologize before resuming the program. This controversy has garnered reactions on social media, where many fans expressed outrage over the censorship, using hashtags like #FreeKimmel and #CancelCancelCulture.
Maher remarked, “ABC stands for Always Be Caving.” He urged Kimmel’s supporters to recognize the larger picture of political intimidation in the entertainment industry. He lampooned how businesses may alter their content to avoid backlash, saying, “Good Morning America” might as well include “even the scum who didn’t vote for Trump” in its name next.
The ongoing situation also raised concerns among Hollywood guilds, leading to protests at the Disney lot. Writers and actors have considered boycotting Disney properties in light of recent developments.
Maher’s delivery blended humor with a serious message about accountability and free expression. Although he acknowledged he didn’t fully agree with Kimmel’s joke, he maintained it wasn’t enough justification for losing his job. In a larger sense, he described the isolation felt by individuals who face backlash for speaking out.
As it stands, Maher addressed Kimmel directly, encouraging him to take pride in his long career, hoping that, like him, Kimmel would find success elsewhere if this ended badly. The conversation continues about how free speech is treated in media and the lasting effects of this form of censorship on popular culture.
For a deeper dive into recent discussions surrounding free speech in media, you can refer to The Wall Street Journal’s analysis.
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ABC,Bill Maher,Brendan Carr,Donald Trump,Jimmy Kimmel,Jimmy Kimmel Live,Real Time With Bill Maher
