Maher Defends Kimmel Amid Suspension Drama

On Friday night’s episode of HBO’s "Real Time," Bill Maher came out swinging in defense of his fellow late-night host, Jimmy Kimmel, whose show was recently suspended by ABC. This move by the Disney-owned network struck a chord with Maher, who reflected on his own tumultuous history with ABC, dating back to when they axed his show "Politically Incorrect" over controversial remarks he made following 9/11.

A Blast from the Past

Maher opened his monologue with a humorous jab, saying, "Talk show hosts are going down like Blockbusters in the '90s!" He continued by addressing the audience, "I guess you all heard that my friend Jimmy Kimmel has been canned by ABC for comments he made about Charlie Kirk’s comments." He added a heartfelt message of support, telling Kimmel, "You don’t have to pretend to like Disneyland anymore," referring to his own experience after being let go.

Kimmel's Future Uncertain

To clarify the situation, Maher noted that Kimmel wasn't technically fired—his show"Jimmy Kimmel Live!" has been "pre-empted indefinitely" as negotiations for a resolution between Kimmel and Disney are underway.

A History of Censorship

In a poignant moment, Maher calculated the irony of his own past, revealing it was almost 24 years ago to the day when his own cancellations occurred. "I got canceled before cancel culture was even a thing!" he exclaimed, referencing press coverage that led to his controversial exit from the network.

The State of Broadcasting Today

Maher also weighed in on the current climate of fear and censorship in the television industry, particularly criticizing FCC chairman Brendan Carr’s threats against ABC for not taking action against Kimmel. "I’m not intimidated by the FCC!" he declared, emphasizing the hypocrisy around conservative intimidation tactics, further mocking changes in programming tones at networks due to pressure.

Support from Fellow Hosts

In solidarity, a chorus of support for Kimmel has erupted from fellow late-night hosts like Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, and even legendary comedians like Jon Stewart and David Letterman, signaling a united front against censorship in comedy.

Kimmel's Suspension Raises Discussion

Maher’s observations touched on broader conversations surrounding media bias and the implications of such suspensions. He encouraged open dialogue, urging shows like "The View" to step up and address issues more boldly, emphasizing, "It won’t kill you!" The comment showcases his belief that media figures should fearlessly tackle controversial topics.