In a powerful show of solidarity, over 400 actors, musicians, and filmmakers have signed an open letter organized by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), condemning what they describe as “a dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation.” This collective response follows the indefinite suspension of late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel by ABC, a decision reportedly made under pressure from the Trump Administration.
The signatories of this letter include prominent figures from the entertainment industry, many of whom have longstanding ties to ABC and its parent company, Disney. Notable names such as Lin-Manuel Miranda, Pedro Pascal, Selena Gomez, and Olivia Rodrigo stand alongside legendary actors like Tom Hanks, Jennifer Aniston, Robert De Niro, Jason Bateman, Natalie Portman, and Maya Rudolph, all united in defense of free expression.
The letter articulates the gravity of the situation: “Last week, Jimmy Kimmel was taken off the air after the government threatened a private company with retaliation, marking a dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation.” It emphasizes that such actions threaten not only Kimmel’s livelihood but the foundational values upon which the United States was built—values that guarantee the right to free speech for all, regardless of political affiliation.
This crisis was ignited when Kimmel, in his opening monologue, criticized the conservative response to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a right-wing activist and close ally of Trump. Kimmel’s remarks pointed to the desperate attempts by some in the right-wing media to distance themselves from the tragedy, 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.”
The situation escalated sharply when Brendan Carr, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), made ominous statements on a conservative podcast, suggesting that ABC could face repercussions if they did not act against Kimmel. “We can do this the easy way or the hard way,” Carr warned, indicating that the FCC would expect the network to take action. Shortly thereafter, ABC announced Kimmel’s suspension, igniting a firestorm of backlash from the entertainment community and beyond.
The ACLU’s executive director, Anthony D. Romero, likened the current climate to a “modern McCarthy era,” highlighting the silencing of voices and the chilling effects of government censorship. “The silencing of Jimmy Kimmel and jawboning of media outlets through lawsuits and threats to their licenses evoke dark memories of the 1950s,” he stated. Romero called for a collective stand against this erosion of free speech, reminding the public of the power of unity in the face of oppression.
Other entertainers have also voiced their concerns. The hosts of ABC’s morning show, The View, criticized the government’s attempts to silence Kimmel. Whoopi Goldberg highlighted the importance of protecting free speech, while co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin asserted that “the First Amendment is the first for a reason.” Their comments echoed the sentiments expressed in the ACLU letter, reinforcing that holding those in power accountable is essential for a healthy democracy.
Musician Sarah McLachlan and fellow artist Jewel took a stand by declining to perform at the premiere of the Hulu documentary “Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery,” citing their discomfort with the current political climate. McLachlan articulated her fears about the “insidious erosion of women’s rights, of trans and queer rights, the muzzling of free speech,” emphasizing the need for vigilance in safeguarding democratic values.
Additionally, a separate open letter signed by approximately 600 comedians, including Jimmy Fallon, Chelsea Handler, and Margaret Cho, underscores the universal importance of humor and free expression. It boldly states, “When the government targets one of us, they target all of us. They strike at the heart of our shared humanity. They strip away the basic right every person deserves: to speak freely, question boldly, and laugh loudly… We will not be silenced.”
Even conservative lawmakers have weighed in on the issue of free speech. Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson addressed the chilling implications of infringing on free expression, stating, “If you don’t acknowledge the right of other people to do that…what are you really saying? You’re saying, ‘I don’t think you have a soul.'”
Republican Senator Ted Cruz criticized the FCC’s actions, likening the pressure on ABC to tactics used by organized crime, saying it resembled a mafioso warning, “Nice bar you got here. It’d be a shame if something happened to it.”
As the entertainment industry rallies to support Kimmel, the collective call for the protection of free speech serves as a reminder of the crucial role of voices in the arts and media in holding power accountable. The ACLU’s letter and the overwhelming response from artists reflect a commitment to standing against censorship, advocating not only for Kimmel but for the fundamental right of all individuals to express themselves freely without fear of retribution.
