
Hollywood Unites for Jimmy Kimmel: Star-Studded Support vs. Boycott Call
2025-09-20
Author: Chun
In a dramatic twist within the entertainment world, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel is gathering a wave of support from top-tier Hollywood celebrities amid his recent suspension by Disney-owned ABC, following controversial remarks regarding the Charlie Kirk shooting suspect.
Pedro Pascal Steps Up for Free Speech
Star of 'The Mandalorian' and the latest installment of 'The Fantastic Four', Pedro Pascal publicly backed Kimmel on Instagram, stating, "Standing with you Jimmy Kimmel Live!" He emphasized the importance of defending both free speech and democracy, sharing a heartfelt photo of himself with Kimmel.
Marvel Avengers Unite Against Suspension
As Pascal voiced his support, other Marvel stars took a bold stance by endorsing a boycott of Disney and its associated platforms, which include Hulu, ESPN, Pixar, Lucasfilm, and more. Marisa Tomei, known for her role as Aunt May in the Spider-Man franchise, shared a call to action urging followers to "unsubscribe and boycott".
Tatiana Maslany, the lead of 'She-Hulk: Attorney at Law', joined the revolt by encouraging her audience to cancel their Disney and ESPN subscriptions with a powerful post of her time on set.
Veteran actor Mark Ruffalo also chimed in at a No Kings online event, highlighting how the industry is oblivious to the ongoing threat to free speech.
Protests Ignite in Support of Kimmel
Demonstrations supporting Kimmel erupted, not only outside his show's Hollywood headquarters but also at Disney's Burbank gates. Activists have commissioned a mobile billboard to circle Los Angeles this weekend, showcasing messages like "We're with Jimmy and free speech" and "Dictators aren't funny—Jimmy Kimmel is." This campaign aims to raise awareness about the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression.
Damon Lindelof Takes a Stand
Among the supporters, Lost creator Damon Lindelof expressed his outrage over Kimmel's suspension. He stated he would reconsider his association with Disney unless Kimmel resumes hosting, marking one of the first significant consequences for the company stemming from their decision.
Kerry Washington Voices Unwavering Support
Kerry Washington, an esteemed actress and producer associated with ABC, also expressed her disdain for Kimmel's suspension. Praising Kimmel for his unwavering support of her work, she deemed the suspension "not just unfair, but unjust."
A Collective Voice from the Comedy Community
In a show of solidarity, hundreds of comedians—among them Jimmy Fallon and Chelsea Handler—have signed a powerful statement declaring this a dark time for comedic expression. They warned that when the government targets one, it threatens the freedom of all.
Handler Highlights First Amendment Threats
Handler, who was scheduled to be a guest on Kimmel’s show, pointed out the hypocrisy in the treatment of Kimmel compared to other media figures, arguing that threats to free speech have reached alarming levels reminiscent of McCarthyism.
The Fallout from FCC Chairman's Remarks
Kimmel's suspension was not without its critics, notably from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, whose comments contributed to the pressure on ABC. As the fallout continues, many are watching closely to see how this contentious confrontation between creators and corporate entities will unfold.