John Oliver Addresses Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension
On his latest HBO show, John Oliver focused on the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel following controversial remarks made on Jimmy Kimmel Live! regarding conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
Details of the Incident
Last week, Disney suspended Kimmel after comments suggesting the shooter, Tyler Robinson, was aligned with MAGA Republicans during his monologue provoked backlash. This followed a threat from FCC chair Brendan Carr aimed at ABC affiliates.
Kimmel’s Controversial Remarks
Kimmel remarked on the media’s portrayal of the shooter and the MAGA community’s attempts to distance themselves from Robinson, stating, “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.”
Disney’s Response
Following the backlash from station owners Nexstar and Sinclair, who chose not to air Kimmel’s show, Disney opted for an indefinite suspension of Kimmel. The decision has drawn criticism from Hollywood figures and the public, many accusing Disney of yielding to pressure from the Trump administration.
Oliver’s Defense of Kimmel
In his segment, Oliver expressed concern over Kimmel’s suspension, clarifying that the comments deemed problematic were not directly about Kirk himself. Instead, he emphasized Kimmel’s initial expression of condolences on social media, which was a call to end gun violence.
Corporate Influence and Censorship
Oliver highlighted the regulatory landscape that influences station owners like Nexstar, who are currently navigating mergers and require FCC approval. He indicated that Carr’s actions could be seen as an attempt to pressure broadcasters into censorship, framing this situation as a dangerous precedent for free speech.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Oliver concluded his segment by urging Disney to support Kimmel and his team. He addressed Disney CEO Bob Iger, emphasizing the importance of standing firm against unjust demands and suggested using the phrase “Fuck you, make me” as a strong response to bullies. He underscored that acquiescing to pressure only emboldens further demands.
