Bill Maher Stands by Jimmy Kimmel: A Heartfelt Defense Amid Late Night Controversies

Bill Maher recently shared his thoughts on ABC’s decision to indefinitely suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! He kicked off his monologue by discussing Kimmel’s comments about the shooter of Charlie Kirk. Maher stated, “Well, I guess you all heard, my friend Jimmy Kimmel got canned by ABC for comments he made.”

He went on to highlight the pressure Kimmel faced, mentioning the head of the FCC’s threat to revoke ABC’s license. Maher confidently remarked that he wasn’t scared by the commission, jokingly addressing former President Trump, “Have you lost weight?”

Maher also brought up his own experience with controversy back in 2001 when he was hosted on ABC’s Politically Incorrect. He pointed out that it was exactly 24 years since he encountered his own fallout after making remarks about the 9/11 hijackers. “I got canceled before cancel culture even existed,” he quipped. He then expressed support for Kimmel, saying, “You did a great, funny show for two decades. Be proud of that.”

Maher faced backlash in 2001 for his comments just days after the September 11 attacks. He acknowledged the heated views of his guests, explaining, “While others might see courage in the hijackers’ actions, I believed it was cowardly to attack from a distance.” This controversy echoed in the current climate of media scrutiny and public backlash.

Drawing parallels to today’s cancel culture, Maher emphasized, “This isn’t a new issue. It’s just louder now.” During his show, he implored fellow panelists to defend free speech, referring to Charlie Kirk’s insistence that hate speech doesn’t exist legally in America. “If we’re going to honor free speech, let’s really honor it,” Maher urged.

On The View, the silence surrounding Kimmel’s suspension caught Maher’s eye, calling out the show’s hosts for staying quiet amidst the controversy. He urged them to take a stand, reminding them that it’s okay to speak up, even if it’s risky.

As the week progressed, other late-night hosts, including Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon, expressed their disappointment at ABC’s decision. Colbert emphasized the importance of supporting each other in challenging times.

Kimmel’s suspension came after he criticized the MAGA movement following the shooting related to Charlie Kirk. Maher remarked on how political pressure and fear of retaliation from authorities impacted media decisions today.

David Letterman chimed in about Kimmel’s situation, stating, “This is managed media, and it’s no good.” His comments highlighted concerns about censorship and holding back humorous voices in the landscape of political commentary.

In a world where opinions can ignite swift action, Maher, Kimmel, and others continue to navigate this complicated terrain. Whether it’s the fear of backlash or a genuine desire for accountability, the evolving conversation around free speech is crucial. It remains to be seen how this incident will affect Kimmel and the late-night landscape as a whole.

For additional insights into the changing nature of media and free speech, you can explore more on government reports and studies from sources like the Pew Research Center.

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Bill Maher,Jimmy Kimmel,Real Time with Bill Maher