SAG-AFTRA and WGA issue defence of Jimmy Kimmel following cancellation: “Silencing us impoverishes the whole world”
The Screen Actors Guild and the Writers Guild of America West have issued statements defending Jimmy Kimmel after ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live indefinitely.
The long-running show has been taken off air following a series of comments made by the comedian about the reaction to the death of Charlie Kirk by Donald Trump, and the Make America Great Again movement.
A spokesperson for the network, which is owned by Disney, said in a statement regarding the show’s future on September 17th: “Jimmy Kimmel Live will be pre-empted indefinitely”.
This decision came after Nexstar Media, one of the biggest owners of TV stations in America, said it would not air Jimmy Kimmel Live for the foreseeable future. They labelled his comments as “offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse”.
Additionally, Sinclair Group, the largest ABC affiliate group, confirmed plans to do the same, and also announced they would air a Charlie Kirk special in place of Jimmy Kimmel Live on September 19th.
The WGA has since defended Kimmel, issuing a statement saying: “The right to speak our 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.”
Their message continued: “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 signed on to – painful as it may be at times – is the freeing agreement to disagree.”
The WGA concluded: “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.”
Meanwhile, the SAG-AFTRA have also defended Kimmel and stated the institution “condemns” the decision by ABC.
- ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ cancelled indefinitely by ABC following Charlie Kirk comments.
- Jimmy Kimmel slams Donald Trump for Charlie Kirk response
“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,” their statement said.
The SAG-AFTRA continued: “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.”
Other notable figures that have stood up for Kimmel in light of his suspension include California Governor Gavin Newsom and Ben Stiller.
On the other hand, Trump has taken pleasure in ABC’s decision, labelling the decision as “Great News for America”, and writing, “Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that’s possible.”
Kimmel is yet to comment on his suspension.
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