Patrick Feeney September 18th, 2025 - 9:48 PM
Hollywood is in the midst of another bout between its labor unions and the studios. Both the Screen Actors Guild and the Writers’ Guild of America have released statements condemning the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!. According to mxdwn, the show has been placed on indefinite leave following comments about Tyler Robinson, the alleged shooter in the death of Charlie Kirk. Kirk was a well-known conservative activist known as one of the founders of Turning Point USA.
Via mxdwn, Jimmy Kimmel (Smurfs, Hacks) has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration and made comments regarding Robinson’s previous political affiliations. “The MAGA Gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it,” Kimmel stated.
Via a post on their Instagram page, the WGA stated the following:
The right to speak out minds and to disagree with each other – to disturb, even – is at the very heart of what it means to be a free people. It is not to be denied. Not by violence, not by the abuse of governmental power, nor by acts of corporate cowardice.
As a Guild, we stand united in opposition to anyone who uses their power and influence to silence the voices of writers, or anyone who speaks in dissent. If free speech applied only to ideas we like, we needn’t have bothered to write it into the Constitution. What we have singed on to – painful as it may be at times – is the freeing agreement to disagree.
Shame on those in government who forget this founding truth. As for our employers, our words have made you rich. Silencing us impoverishes the whole world.
The WGA stands with Jimmy Kimmel and his writers.
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SAG-AFTRA announced in two posts:
Our society depends on freedom of expression. Suppression of free speech and retaliation for speaking out on significant issues of public concern run counter to the fundamental rights we all rely on.
Democracy thrives when diverse points of view are expressed.
The decision to suspend airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! is the type of suppression and retaliation that endangers everyone’s freedoms.
SAG-AFTRA stands with all media artists and defends their right to express their diverse points of view, and everyone’s right to hear them.
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mxdwn has reported that Brendan Carr, current head of the Federal Communications Commission, had noted that ABC may be on the verge of losing its broadcast license following the statements made by Kimmel.
According to mxdwn, tensions have been on the rise in Hollywood since both the WGA and SAG went on strike back in 2023. Concerns over free speech have been mounting, particularly in the late-night talk show genre. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was cancelled earlier this year. Paramount has stated that the decision was made based on financial considerations, but many have asserted that it was due to Colbert’s stance on the President. The WGA released a statement in support of Colbert in July 2025.
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The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live is the first major late-night television decision made explicitly over commentary. Via mxdwn, Andrew Alford, President of Nexstar’s broadcasting division, released a statement regarding the show’s hiatus.
“Mr. Kimmel’s comments about the death of Mr. Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located. Continuing to give Mr. Kimmel a broadcast platform in the communities we serve is simply not in the public interest at the current time, and we have made the difficult decision to preempt his show in an effort to let cooler heads prevail as we move toward the resumption of respectful, constructive dialogue.”
Trump posted to Truth Social, celebrating the suspension and decrying the show’s ratings.
“Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done.”
According to mxdwn, Kimmel’s fate is still up in the air, as a decision regarding his future will be made at a later date by ABC’s parent company, Disney.
