US TV hosts again Jimmy Kimmel and lampoon Donald Trump in free speech row

[ad_1] Ian Youngs Tradition reporter and

Katie Razzall Tradition and media editor

Watch: Jimmy Fallon amongst US speak present hosts sharing on-air reactions to Kimmel's exit

America's late-night TV hosts have rallied behind fellow comic Jimmy Kimmel after he was suspended by ABC in a row over feedback he made concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk.

Stephen Colbert started his present by saying "we're all Jimmy Kimmel", and mentioned the star's removing was a "blatant assault on freedom of speech".

Seth Meyers declared it was "a privilege and honour to name Jimmy Kimmel my pal", whereas Jon Stewart and Jimmy Fallon tackled the free speech concern by doing satirical sketches through which they have been apparently pressured to reward Donald Trump.

Their broadcasts got here shortly after the US president mentioned the principle networks have been overwhelmingly unfavorable about him and will have their licences "taken away".

Watch: Ros Atkins on… What Jimmy Kimmel being taken off air means free of charge speech within the US

For years, Trump has centered on these within the media who he views as his opponents.

Is Kimmel's suspension an assault on free speech? An indication of one other media firm bowing to Trump's assault? Or a protracted overdue reckoning? It is determined by whose aspect you're on.

This newest choice has despatched a chill by means of liberal America - and inspired the president's supporters who've lengthy railed in opposition to the late-night speak present hosts who criticise him.

<img sizes="(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/da27/live/cd43f080-9541-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 240w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/da27/live/cd43f080-9541-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 320w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/da27/live/cd43f080-9541-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 480w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/da27/live/cd43f080-9541-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 640w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/da27/live/cd43f080-9541-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 800w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/da27/live/cd43f080-9541-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 1024w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/da27/live/cd43f080-9541-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 1536w" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/da27/live/cd43f080-9541-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp" loading="eager" alt="Getty Images A large cardboard placard with an illustration of Jimmy Kimmel and a red cross across his face, alongside other signs including one reading "free speech"" class="sc-86c96223-0 fHZDyi"/> Getty Photos Placards supporting Jimmy Kimmel have been left outdoors his studio in Los Angeles

The row began after Kimmel mentioned in his monologue on Monday that the "Maga gang" have been "desperately making an attempt to characterise this child who murdered Charlie Kirk as something apart from one among them" and making an attempt to "rating political factors from it".

He additionally likened Trump's response to the conservative political activist's loss of life to "how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish".

Brendan Carr, the chairman of the Federal Communications Fee (FCC), which regulates community TV, referred to as these feedback "sick". Carr mentioned he had threatened to take motion as a result of the host had appeared to "instantly mislead the American public".

Conservative critics say Kimmel was pushing a false narrative by suggesting Kirk's suspected killer was a "Make America Nice Once more" Republican. Whereas the precise motive remains to be not identified, on Sunday - earlier than Kimmel spoke - the Utah governor had mentioned the suspect was "indoctrinated by leftist ideology".

<img sizes="(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/2d08/live/1b19a110-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 240w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/2d08/live/1b19a110-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 320w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/2d08/live/1b19a110-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 480w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/2d08/live/1b19a110-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 640w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/2d08/live/1b19a110-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 800w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/2d08/live/1b19a110-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 1024w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/2d08/live/1b19a110-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 1536w" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/2d08/live/1b19a110-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Getty Images Seth Meyers speaking behind his desk on his Late Night show on Thursday 18 September 2025" class="sc-86c96223-0 fHZDyi"/> Getty Photos Seth Meyers has been internet hosting NBC's Late Evening since 2014

Meyers, the host of NBC's Late Evening, started his present on Thursday by saying Trump's administration was "pursuing a crackdown on free speech", earlier than including sarcastically: "And utterly unrelated, I simply need to say earlier than we get began right here that I've all the time admired and revered Mr Trump."

To viewers laughter, Meyers continued: "I've all the time believed he was a visionary, an innovator, an excellent president and an excellent higher golfer."

The host went on to play a succession of clips of Trump declaring he had banned authorities censorship and introduced again free speech in America.

After taking part in additional clips concerning the Kimmel state of affairs, Meyers mentioned: "It's a privilege and honour to name Jimmy Kimmel my pal, in the identical method it is a privilege and honour to do that present each evening.

"I get up daily and I rely my blessings to reside in a rustic that no less than purports to worth freedom of speech.

"And we will maintain doing our present the way in which we have all the time achieved it - with enthusiasm and integrity..." That was adopted by a fart noise, referring to a earlier joke a few horse defecating in entrance of Trump throughout his state go to to the UK.

Returning to his level, Meyers continued: "This can be a pivotal... this can be a huge second in our democracy and we should all get up for freedom of expression.

"There's a purpose free speech is within the very First Modification. It stands above all others."

<img sizes="(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/1c62/live/6d238570-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 240w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/1c62/live/6d238570-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 320w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/1c62/live/6d238570-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 480w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/1c62/live/6d238570-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 640w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/1c62/live/6d238570-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 800w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/1c62/live/6d238570-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 1024w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/1c62/live/6d238570-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 1536w" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/1c62/live/6d238570-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Getty Images Stephen Colbert holding up his Emmy on his way in to an Emmys after party on Sunday" class="sc-86c96223-0 fHZDyi"/> Getty Photos Stephen Colbert received the Emmy Award for excellent speak sequence final weekend

On CBS, The Late Present presenter Colbert mentioned: "To Jimmy, I say I stand with you and your workers 100%."

He mentioned Kimmel's suspension was "blatant censorship" and the "newest and boldest motion in a protracted marketing campaign in opposition to media critics".

Colbert has had his personal present cancelled - it can finish in Might, so he is received free rein for months to say nearly what he needs.

CBS mentioned in July that cancelling The Late Present was "purely a monetary choice", however some observers have linked the transfer to a looming federal choice on a merger involving CBS's guardian firm, Paramount.

Kimmel's removing got here after Nexstar Media, one among America's largest TV station house owners, mentioned it might not air Kimmel's present "for the foreseeable future" as a result of his remarks had been "offensive and insensitive". Nexstar can also be presently awaiting federal approval for a separate takeover deal.

"So an organization apparently capitulating to the whims of the president so as to guarantee their merger goes by means of - has that ever occurred earlier than?" Colbert joked.

"Every little thing is about company relationships."

Following his state go to, Trump advised reporters of late evening exhibits and networks: "All they do is hit Trump... They're licensed. They aren't allowed to try this."

Colbert responded: "Sure they're! For the reason that starting... these exhibits have all the time talked concerning the present president, and that occurs to be you."

He added: "So it doesn't matter what they declare, this isn't totally about what Jimmy mentioned on Monday, this was a part of a plan. How do I do know that? Two months in the past, when the president was tastefully celebrating my cancellation, he posted 'Jimmy Kimmel is subsequent to go'."

And that is precisely what occurred.

<img sizes="(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/a633/live/aa0a7e80-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 240w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/a633/live/aa0a7e80-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 320w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/a633/live/aa0a7e80-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 480w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/a633/live/aa0a7e80-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 640w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/a633/live/aa0a7e80-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 800w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/a633/live/aa0a7e80-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 1024w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/a633/live/aa0a7e80-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 1536w" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/a633/live/aa0a7e80-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Getty Images Jimmy Fallon in a suit in front of a blue curtain delivering his opening monologue on Thursday 18 September 2025" class="sc-86c96223-0 fHZDyi"/> Getty Photos A voiceover minimize in throughout Jimmy Fallon's opening monologue to make him seem to reward Trump

On NBC's The Tonight Present, Fallon advised viewers: "I do not know what is going on on and no-one does. However I do know Jimmy Kimmel and he is an honest, humorous and loving man and I hope he comes again."

He continued: "Lots of people are anxious that we can't maintain saying what we need to say or that we'll be censored. However I'll cowl the president's journey to the UK identical to I usually would.

"Right here we go. Nicely guys, President Trump simply wrapped up his three-day journey to the UK and he..."

A voiceover then minimize in to dub Fallon with the phrases: "...regarded extremely good-looking."

'Completely-tinted Trump'

On Comedy Central, Stewart took the same satirical method, changing into a fawning and "patriotically obediant host" of an "all-new authorities accredited Day by day Present".

He reluctantly lavished reward on the "perfectly-tinted Trump", identified for his "attraction, class and an plain sexual charisma".

Stewart later requested the present's seven correspondents if the "naysayers and critics" have been proper. "Is Donald Trump stifling free speech?"

"After all not Jon," they replied in unison in robotic voices. "Individuals are free to precise any opinion we wish. To recommend in any other case is laughable. Ha ha ha."

In the meantime, former long-serving late-night host David Letterman spoke about Kimmel's suspension at The Atlantic Pageant in New York on Thursday.

"I really feel dangerous about this, as a result of all of us see the place that is going, right?" he mentioned. "It is managed media. It is no good. It is foolish. It is ridiculous."

Conan O'Brien, who offered late-night speak exhibits on NBC and TBS, wrote on X: "The suspension of @jimmykimmel and the promise to silence different Late Evening hosts for criticising the administration ought to disturb everybody on the Proper, Left, and Heart.

"It is incorrect and anybody with a conscience is aware of it is incorrect."

Limits to free speech

<img sizes="(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/04ae/live/ea2cf380-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 240w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/04ae/live/ea2cf380-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 320w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/04ae/live/ea2cf380-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 480w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/04ae/live/ea2cf380-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 640w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/04ae/live/ea2cf380-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 800w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/04ae/live/ea2cf380-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 1024w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/04ae/live/ea2cf380-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp 1536w" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/04ae/live/ea2cf380-9542-11f0-a49e-490ea541d65b.jpg.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Getty Images Greg Gutfeld sitting in a chair and smiling against a nighttime cityscape backdrop on the set of his Fox News show" class="sc-86c96223-0 fHZDyi"/> Getty Photos Greg Gutfeld is Fox Information's late-night host

In polarised America, the response to Kimmel's suspension is determined by your political affiliations, and never all late-night hosts are in settlement.

On conservative-leaning Fox Information, Greg Gutfeld mentioned: "Individuals come as much as me and go, 'In case you're a comic and also you're on TV, you have to be upset by this'. I am not likely."

His panel of visitors criticised Kimmel's feedback and argued there have been limits to free speech on community TV.

The host additionally mentioned people who find themselves now defending Kimmel had beforehand tried to silence right-wing shops and commentators. "The one method they have been going to cease that's in the event that they know it could possibly occur to them," Gutfeld mentioned. "However is that really truthful considering? I do not know."

Elsewhere, former CNN presenter Piers Morgan mentioned Kimmel had induced "comprehensible outrage throughout America", including: "Why is he being heralded as some sort of free speech martyr?"