Olivia Rodrigo has been voicing her concerns after Jimmy Kimmel’s recent suspension from ABC.
The Walt Disney Company removed Kimmel’s late-night show from its channel due to his controversial comments about Charlie Kirk’s passing and politics.
The decision—inspired by Nexstar Media Group, the nation’s largest television broadcasting group—was made public on September 17.
In an Instagram story, Rodrigo reposted SAG-AFTRA’s, the labor union that represents those working for ABC, announcement of Kimmel being kicked, along with her own commentary. “So upset over this blatant censorship and abuse of power,” the singer-songwriter and actress said. “I stand with Jimmy Kimmel and I stand for freedom of speech.”
Many other celebrities also publicly reacted to Kimmel being removed from the program.
American political commentator Chris Hayes took to X to say, “This is the most straightforward attack on free speech from state actors I’ve ever seen in my life and it’s not even close.”
Damon Lindelof, the producer of Lost, shared his comments on Instagram, “I was shocked, saddened and infuriated by yesterday’s suspension and look forward to it being lifted soon… And Jimmy? You’ve ALWAYS known what you were doing. Love you and support you.”
Lindelof also shared that he refuses to continue working with ABC until Kimmel is reinstated.
Time will tell if Kimmel is brought back, but with dozens of celebrities, including Olivia Rodrigo, standing up for the comedian, it’s unlikely that the ban will be permanent.
