Olivia Rodrigo unleashes on ABC as she calls Jimmy Kimmel suspension ‘blatant censorship and abuse of power’

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Olivia Rodrigo publicly criticized ABC’s decision to cancel Jimmy Kimmel’s talk show this week, describing it as a clear example of censorship and misuse of authority.

On Saturday, the 22-year-old actor, who previously starred in Disney productions, spoke out about the recent criticism aimed at the late-night talk show host and publicly supported him, joining other famous celebrities in his defense.

She shared SAG-AFTRA’s announcement that Jimmy Kimmel Live! had paused production, and added her own reaction to what’s happening.

The pop star expressed her strong disappointment with what she called unfair censorship and an abuse of authority in a message accompanying her post.

Then, she added: ‘I stand with Jimmy Kimmel and I stand for freedom of speech.’

This news follows reports that Jimmy Kimmel is getting ready to come back to television after being temporarily taken off the air because of his remarks about Charlie Kirk.

She also appeared to cosign David Letterman’s view on the situation.

She also shared a video on her Instagram Story featuring a comedian and former TV host discussing the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel and comparing Donald Trump’s time as president to an autocratic rule.

He explained to The Atlantic in a live interview that you shouldn’t dismiss someone simply because you’re afraid of, or trying to please, a powerful and potentially unlawful administration. He stated that such behavior is unacceptable.

Letterman also said the ‘managed media’ is ‘silly’ and ‘ridiculous.’

He also criticized CBS, calling their handling of Stephen Colbert ‘rude,’ especially when they unexpectedly announced the end of The Late Show earlier this year.

Letterman isn’t the only television host to speak up in defense of Kimmel. 

Once the news of his suspension became public, several other late-night hosts showed their support for him during their shows on Thursday night.

Jimmy Fallon, host of The Tonight Show, said people were stunned when ABC faced pressure from regulators to temporarily take Jimmy Kimmel’s show off the air.

He also shared a funny story about his father mistakenly texting him with condolences, as they both have the same first name.

Fallon described Kimmel as a good, funny, and kind person, then playfully pretended to praise and compliment Donald Trump.

Stephen Colbert, whose show ends in May, began his show by saying, ‘Tonight, we’re all Jimmy Kimmel.’

He called it ‘blatant censorship‘ to suspend a television host’s show and censor political satire. 

Recalling Trump’s suggestion to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, he explained, ‘You can’t show any weakness when dealing with an autocratic leader.’

He criticized ABC, calling their belief that a single step would appease Trump as naive, and playfully suggested they weren’t familiar with the story ‘If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,’ implying that one action always leads to another.

He publicly supported Kimmel and spoke with FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who believes broadcasters should avoid content that doesn’t align with local standards. He emphasized that his own standards prioritize freedom of speech.

During his Late Night show, Seth Meyers criticized the Trump administration, accusing them of trying to limit free speech.

He mockingly praised Trump, listing qualities like ‘visionary,’ ‘innovator,’ ‘great president,’ and even ‘an even better golfer.’

He shared with Kimmel that he plans to continue his show with passion and honesty, and urged everyone to defend free speech and protect democratic values.

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2025-09-21 06:04