The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! following controversial remarks about Charlie Kirk’s assassination has ignited a firestorm of outrage—particularly in Hollywood. Celebrities, comedians, and actors are now speaking out against ABC’s decision, with many framing the move as a direct threat to free speech.

ABC announced on Wednesday that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would be pulled from its regular schedule “for the foreseeable future.” The announcement came just days after Kimmel’s Monday night monologue, in which he commented on Kirk’s killing. The late-night host criticized the political reaction, saying: “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 and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”

Kimmel also questioned the decision to lower flags to half-staff in Kirk’s honor, while mocking former President Donald Trump’s public reaction to the tragedy. “This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he calls a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish,” Kimmel said.

The backlash was swift. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr condemned Kimmel during an interview with YouTuber Benny Johnson, even threatening to revoke broadcasting licenses of ABC affiliates that continued airing the program. By midweek, Nexstar Media Group and ABC partner stations confirmed that the show would be suspended indefinitely. A spokesperson told BBC News: “Jimmy Kimmel Live will be pre-empted indefinitely.”

While Trump praised the move, Hollywood erupted in anger. Stars across entertainment—some scheduled to appear on the show—condemned the network’s decision.

Wanda Sykes, who had been slated as a guest, shared her disappointment on Instagram after her appearance was canceled. In a video message, she also criticized Trump: “Let’s see. He didn’t end the Ukraine war or solve Gaza within his first week. But he did end freedom of speech within his first year. Hey, for those of you who pray, now’s the time to do it. Love you, Jimmy.”

Ben Stiller kept his response short but powerful. Posting on X, the actor simply wrote: “This isn’t right.”

Jamie Lee Curtis took a more reflective tone in an interview with Marc Maron on his WTF podcast. Although she admitted she disagreed with Kirk’s political positions, she acknowledged his faith and humanity. Later, she shared a Rolling Stone post on Instagram that quoted Kimmel from an earlier interview where he said, “I don’t think anybody should be canceled. I really don’t.”

Mike Birbiglia, a comedian who once filled in for Kimmel during his COVID-19 recovery, voiced his support on Instagram: “I’ve spent a lot of time in public + private defending comedians I don’t agree with. If you’re a comedian + don’t call out the insanity of pulling Kimmel off the air—don’t bother spouting off about free speech anymore.”

Reactions weren’t limited to comedians and actors. Megyn Kelly, journalist and attorney, noted the backlash ABC must have faced: “Just think for a minute about the amount of IRATE mail/viewer feedback they must have gotten to do this.”

Supermodel Christie Brinkley also weighed in, posting a supportive message on Instagram with a photo of Kimmel and his crew: “I love these guys. The laughter they provide is as important as the air we breathe. We must protect their and our First Amendment rights!”

Actress Sophia Bush, best known for One Tree Hill, voiced her frustration on Twitter: “The First Amendment doesn’t exist in America anymore. Period. Fascism is here and it’s chilling.”

The controversy has only continued to grow, showing that the debate over censorship, free speech, and comedy isn’t fading anytime soon. While Kimmel faces harsh criticism from political opponents, the outpouring of support from Hollywood suggests that many see his suspension as more than a disciplinary measure—it’s a cultural flashpoint.

For now, Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains off the air, with no clear timeline for its return. What’s certain is that the clash between entertainment, politics, and free expression is only intensifying. And as celebrities continue to speak up, it’s clear this debate is far from over.