Late-night television is no stranger to controversy, but the abrupt suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s show has reignited debates about free speech in Hollywood.
Stephen Colbert didn’t hold back on Thursday, using his own platform to defend his fellow host and criticize the political and corporate forces behind the decision.
Colbert Calls Kimmel’s Suspension “Blatant Censorship”
During Thursday’s taping of The Late Show, Colbert slammed ABC’s move as “blatant censorship,” highlighting what he sees as an attack on free expression.
“Jimmy, I stand with you and your staff 100 percent,” Colbert said, declaring, “Tonight, we are all Jimmy Kimmel.”
He went further, describing President Donald Trump as an “autocrat” and warning against giving him even an inch.
Colbert also noted that CBS, the network airing his show, “wouldn’t have done this,” labeling ABC’s actions as weak in contrast.
Colbert’s Own History with Controversy
Colbert’s defense carries added weight given his own history.
In July, he faced backlash after criticizing CBS’ parent company, Paramount, for settling a $16 million lawsuit with Trump during a major merger with Skydance.
Colbert had called the settlement a “big, fat bribe” to secure approval from the Trump administration.
While Paramount allowed his show to continue through the season, the incident left Colbert no stranger to clashes between media, politics, and corporate decisions.
ABC Suspends Kimmel Over Controversial Remarks
ABC announced Wednesday that Jimmy Kimmel’s show would be suspended indefinitely following comments he made about Tyler Robinson, the man accused of shooting conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
Kimmel had incorrectly identified Robinson as a right-wing MAGA supporter, though investigations revealed he was radicalized by far-left ideologies and had been dating his transgender roommate.
The erroneous claim drew criticism from conservatives and prompted Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr to consider an investigation into both Kimmel and ABC.
Carr described Kimmel’s comments as “some of the sickest conduct possible” in a conversation with conservative podcaster Benny Johnson, hours before the suspension announcement.
Nexstar Drops Kimmel and Trump Praises Move
The suspension was compounded when Nexstar Communications Group, one of the largest local television operators in the U.S., announced it would stop airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! across its 23 ABC-affiliated stations.
Andrew Alford, Nexstar’s broadcasting division president, called Kimmel’s comments “offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse.”
President Trump quickly praised ABC for the suspension, calling it “great news for America” and urging NBC to take similar action against other late-night hosts like Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers.
Free Speech Debate Continues
Colbert’s vocal defense of Kimmel highlights the ongoing tension between political sensitivity, corporate decision-making, and creative freedom in late-night television.
As the story develops, audiences across the country are left debating where the line between accountability and censorship should be drawn.