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Outrage Mounts as Kimmel Fans Petition for Reinstatement
A petition demanding the reinstatement of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel is rapidly approaching 200,000 signatures, following ABC’s abrupt cancellation of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” last week. The network’s decision came just hours after the FCC chairman suggested that Kimmel’s on-air remarks about Charlie Kirk could jeopardize ABC’s broadcast license.
Kimmel’s comments, made during his Monday opening segment, sparked controversy and led to online calls for a boycott of ABC and its parent company, Disney. Fellow late-night hosts Stephen Colbert and David Letterman have publicly supported Kimmel, while President Trump reportedly commented on the show’s ratings amidst a eulogy for Kirk.
The petition, which calls upon ABC, Disney, Sinclair Broadcasting Group, and Nexstar Communications Group to reinstate Kimmel, characterizes the cancellation as “a blatant attack on free speech.” The petition’s creator argues that Kimmel was suspended for criticizing the government and that corporations like Disney have a responsibility to resist such pressure. The petition also cites FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s statement regarding a potential case against ABC for not operating in the public interest.
The petition’s creator further contends this situation is a larger issue of censorship and control over public discourse, emphasizing the importance of diverse news and information sources. The petition follows the reported termination of Stephen Colbert by CBS and Paramount Global, further fueling concerns about potential crackdowns on media personalities.
Kimmel’s controversial remarks centered on the alleged shooter’s connection to the MAGA movement. Carr deemed the comments “truly sick” and suggested potential action against ABC and Disney.
Nexstar Media Group Inc. subsequently dropped “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from its ABC affiliates, citing offensive remarks, before ABC announced the indefinite suspension of the program.