Stephen Colbert has strongly backed Jimmy Kimmel, another late-night star whose program was put on hold “indefinitely” by ABC. Colbert said that ABC’s choice was “blatant censorship” and a stunning attack on free expression at the recording of The Late Show on September 18.
According to the New York Post, Colbert told his audience, “Tonight we are all Jimmy Kimmel.” The 61-year-old presenter said, “Yesterday, after threats from Trump’s FCC chair, ABC took Kimmel off the air for an indefinite amount of time.” That is very clear censorship.
Colbert then said that “you can’t give an inch” to a “autocrat,” and that people all throughout the country are “shocked about this blatant attack on free speech.”
Colbert said directly to Kimmel, “To Jimmy, let me just say that I stand with you and your staff 100%.” Then he held up his new Emmy and said, “And you couldn’t let me enjoy this for a week?”
Colbert also talked about the exact comment that caused the problem. Kimmel stated, “The MAGA gang tried to make this kid who killed Charlie Kirk seem like anything other than one of them over the weekend.” Colbert thought the comment was rather modest, especially given how strong the backlash was. He said, “That’s just Jimmy Kimmel.” “I was expecting something more provocative based on the FCC’s response.”
Jake Tapper, a CNN anchor who was on the show, agreed with Colbert. Tapper said, “We are no longer the United States of America if we can’t criticize, mock, or look into our leaders.”