Renowned actor Ben Stiller has entered the ongoing controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension, and his concise three-word response has ignited further discussion online.
ABC has indefinitely suspended Kimmel’s late-night show after the host addressed the reactions to Charlie Kirk’s death during his opening monologue. This decision has polarized viewers, with many criticizing it as a blow to free speech.
The controversy began after the death of Charlie Kirk, a far-right commentator and Turning Point USA co-founder. The 31-year-old was shot at Utah Valley University last week, with alarming footage of the event quickly making its way across social media platforms.
Kirk’s death prompted a wide range of responses from all sides of the political spectrum, including condolences to his family and reflections on his contentious career.
Kimmel, known for courting controversy, made remarks regarding the reactions of political figures, including President Donald Trump, to Kirk’s death.
These comments did not sit well with ABC, which promptly suspended him. Additionally, broadcaster Nexstar decided not to air Kimmel’s show during this period.
This decision has not been well-received by many viewers, and celebrities have started to voice their opinions. Quoting the announcement on X (formerly Twitter) about the suspension, Ben Stiller expressed his thoughts plainly, stating: “This isn’t right.”
Stiller’s statement has circulated widely on social media, with many aligning with his view and arguing that the network’s decision weakens the fundamental principle of free speech.
One user on X responded directly, saying: “freedom of speech doesn’t exist anymore.” Others went even further, asserting: “Cancel culture is back.”
Stiller isn’t the only prominent figure to support Kimmel. Jean Smart, star of Hacks, shared the news on Instagram, stating: “I am horrified at the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel Live. What Jimmy said was FREE speech, not hate speech. People seem to only want to protect free speech when it suits THEIR agenda.”
In the political arena, figures have also made their positions known. Vice President JD Vance cautioned that individuals celebrating Kirk’s death might face severe repercussions, including job loss. Attorney General Pam Bondi has suggested that legal action could be taken against those who overstep boundaries.
This situation has sparked a broader discussion about who determines the limits of comedy and criticism in the United States.
One Reddit user, HighScorsese, commented on a thread linking to Stiller’s remarks, asking: “And where is the ‘can’t do comedy without getting cancelled’ crew? Crickets from the Joe Rogans of the world so far.”