Stephen Colbert Defends Jimmy Kimmel After ABC’s Shock Suspension

Fans of late-night TV are still reeling after Jimmy Kimmel's show was suddenly pulled from ABC's lineup.

The network suspended "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" indefinitely following his comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk, sparking outrage and raising concerns about censorship.

While the move stunned viewers, Stephen Colbert came to his friend's defense on Thursday, calling out the decision as unfair and dangerous. His fiery remarks resonated with audiences who fear the end of free speech in entertainment.

Colbert used his "Late Show" monologue to deliver a sharp defense of Jimmy Kimmel.

In front of a cheering audience, he said, "I'll say this for my network. They wouldn't have done this. Now, regardless of what you think, that has already been done and how that looks, this is weak. This is blatant censorship."

He went further, warning about what happens when networks cave to pressure. "With an autocrat, you cannot give an inch. Jimmy, I stand with you and your staff 100%."

Colbert also opened with a bold statement: "Tonight, we are all Jimmy Kimmel."

The words quickly spread online, turning his defense into a rallying cry.

Fans praised him for not holding back, while others stayed silent.

Kimmel's suspension came just days after conservative Kirk was shot and killed at a school event in Utah.

In his September 15 monologue, Kimmel connected the tragedy to politics, saying, "We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang trying to characterize this kid who killed Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them."

The remark drew instant backlash from Donald Trump supporters and caught the FCC's attention.

Chairman Brendan Carr hinted ABC's license could be in danger if no action was taken.

Soon after, Nexstar Media Group announced it would preempt "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" "for the foreseeable future," forcing ABC to act.

Critics say it wasn't just about the joke, but about political power.

Colbert pointed out that the FCC's response "sure seems like marching orders."

Many now argue ABC bowed to threats instead of standing behind one of its biggest stars.

Trump celebrated the suspension on Truth Social. "The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED," he wrote, before mocking the comedian as having "ZERO talent."

The post was quickly shared by supporters, framing Kimmel's removal as a victory.

However, other comedians strongly disagreed.

During the September 18 installment of "The Tonight Show," Jimmy Fallon told his audience, "To be honest with you all, I don't know what's going on; no one does. But I do know Jimmy Kimmel, and he is a decent, funny, and loving guy. And I hope he comes back."

David Letterman was even sharper, calling ABC's move "ridiculous."

He said networks couldn't fire people just because they feared political backlash or wanted to "suck up to an authoritarian criminal administration in the Oval Office."

The suspension hasn't just played out on TV. On Thursday, Variety reported that outside Disney headquarters in Burbank, protesters gathered with signs that read, "Kimmel stays, Trump must go" and "ABC, grow a spine."

Similar protests also took place in New York, showing the fight had gone national.

One protester told local media that what happened to Kimmel "wasn't about one joke, it was about silencing a voice."

The outrage has pushed the story beyond entertainment and into politics, with critics warning that comedians may now feel forced to self-censor.

Colbert's monologue also fueled momentum, with his words being shared widely across social media.

Fans praised him for defending not just Kimmel, but all late-night hosts who rely on humor to tackle serious issues.

Colbert's passionate defense of Jimmy Kimmel comes just two months after CBS canceled his own show.

The decision was announced shortly after he criticized Paramount, CBS's parent company, for paying a $16 million settlement to Trump.

At the time, Kimmel supported him, posting "Love you Stephen" and blasting CBS with, "F*ck you and all your Sheldons CBS."

With Colbert now risking even more backlash by standing up for Kimmel, fans see history repeating itself.

Audience members leaving his Thursday taping described the moment as "watching history in the making."

One viewer even told CNBC, "It takes a lot of courage to do what he did tonight, and it was simply stating facts that democracy depends on free speech."