Jimmy Kimmel's Friend Of Over A Decade Urged To Stay Silent Amid His ABC Suspension

Jennifer Aniston is reportedly sandwiched between loyalty and self-preservation as the plot of  Jimmy Kimmel thickens!

It might seem like second nature for the actress to want to drop her two cents to defend her long-time friend and media personality, but everyone around her is reportedly against it.

Jimmy Kimmel was axed from his late-night show last week following his controversial comments about Charlie Kirk's death and Donald Trump's reaction to it.

The TV star is reportedly desperate to come out and speak against his friend's treatment by the ABC Network; however, her reps are reportedly advising her to avoid the situation as much as possible.

Aniston is typically not someone who holds back from speaking her mind on matters concerning her loved ones, but her team is concerned about the public backlash that might follow that decision.

Kimmel's sudden exit from "Jimmy Kimmel Live" last week has sparked conversations among celebrities and the Left that the network caved in to pressure from the government. The friendship between Aniston and Kimmel is very public knowledge as the duo famously appear at each other's Thanksgiving parties.

The Daily Mail stated that the TV personality was dropped by ABC after he suggested that Kirk's assassin was a MAGA member, and added that the Republicans were seeking public support from their reaction to the attack.

Kimmel and Aniston's friendship began in 2012 after they first met at his home when Kimmel invited her then-boyfriend Justin Theroux over to Los Angeles.

According to Kimmel's wife, Molly McNearney, who married the former host in 2013 and served as head writer on his show, meeting Aniston for the first time was surreal.

She recalled being shocked at the actress's presence on their property, but Aniston pulled her in for a hug, making all the nerves disappear. McNearney described the connection as instant and the encounter as very warm and filled with lots of laughter.

By 2015, Kimmel was on the ground to officiate Aniston and Theroux's wedding, although they divorced in 2017. Through their marriage and relationship, Aniston and her estranged husband were frequent guests at Kimmel's annual Friendsgiving ceremony.

She has also accompanied Kimmel and his wife on international vacations, such as McNearney's birthday trip to Tahiti in 2018. Aniston recently went on a summer trip with the couple in 2023, where they posed on a beach, according to her Instagram photos.

In 2018, during an appearance on Kimmel's show, the duo discussed their Friendsgiving tradition, which mainly revolved around the same dishes. As shared by PEOPLE, he expressed his dissatisfaction with the pattern and urged Aniston to get creative with her Friendsgiving menu.

He explained that Turkey only makes an appearance on Friendsgiving because it is not a great dish, and then suggested Italian meatballs before settling on Mexican food as a suitable replacement for Thanksgiving Turkey.

"I know you love Mexican food — 'Graciasgiving' could be a nice thing for us. If you start doing it, everyone will follow suit. Just like with your haircuts! Everyone gets the same hair," Kimmel stressed.

By 2019, Aniston put Kimmel's advice to good use by posting a picture of herself holding a tray of enchiladas, getting ready to go into the oven, and tagging Kimmel. "Ok, @jimmykimmel… here are your f-cking Friendsgiving enchiladas," the actress wrote in the caption.

Despite Kimmel's unceremonious exit from the show, sources have shared that the workforce behind the scenes, consisting of nearly 250 workers, will earn their pay throughout this week.

The Blast noted that on Friday, Michael Eisner, the former CEO of the network, took the bold step of voicing his support for Kimmel in the heat of the moment. 

Eisner condemned the "out-of-control" intimidating by FCC chairman, Brendan Carr. He questioned where all the leadership had gone, to the point where they succumbed to pressure placed on the network to get rid of Kimmel.

"Maybe the Constitution should have said, 'Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, except in one's political or financial self-interest," the former CEO added. 

In addition to Eisner's comments, Senator Ted Cruz criticized the FCC's chairman, Brendan Carr, for his dangerous threats over Kimmel's monologue. He claimed he was acting like a tyrant in his approach to getting ABC to dismiss the former late-night host.

As reported by The Blast, sources noted that Disney executives were warned of an impending doom to their platform if they failed to act swift on booting Kimmel from the show.

In Carr's words, during a conservative podcast, he declared: We can do this the easy way or the hard way. These companies can find ways to change conduct and take actions on Kimmel, or there's going to be additional work for the FCC ahead."

However, information from behind the scenes suggests a likely triumphant return by Kimmel, as both sides find a way to reach a fresh agreement that benefits everyone involved. So far, punters in Vegas have swung into action to push forward some notable Hollywood names fit for Kimmel's vacant seat.

Caitlyn Jenner led the pack due to her outspokenness, fame, and political history. Rob Schneider's "SNL" experience and connection to Hollywood, including his conservative views, put him in a strong second position.

Tim Allen's odds improved to +600 due to his extensive television experience and conservative views, which promised to give ABC execs fewer sleepless nights.

Will Jennifer Aniston defy these tongue-tying odds and make her statement?