Howard Stern Takes Cancellation Action In Solidarity With Jimmy Kimmel

Talk about fighting cancellation with cancellation, Howard Stern has lent his voice to the Jimmy Kimmel issue and backed it up with action.

The veteran radio presenter is braving the fear of censorship and cancellation to condemn Disney for its poor handling of the late-night host's firing, which has made them willing tools of government tactics to suppress free speech.

Howard Stern has now joined several celebrities to speak in support of Jimmy Kimmel after he was kicked off the ABC show last week following his commentary on Charlie Kirk's assassination.

The on-air personality spoke up today, Monday, by making it known that he feels obligated to say something because things are skyrocketing in the worst way possible. He announced that he had returned the favor to the network by canceling his subscription to Disney+, effectively dismissing Kimmel.

"Now it might sound stupid, but the thing I did this morning, I'm canceling my Disney+. I'm trying to say with the pocketbook that I do not support what they're doing with Jimmy," the star explained.

He described the government's decision to silence critics as a step in the wrong direction, adding that it felt pathetic to see ABC be a willing party to such techniques.

"And I should know, I've been involved in something like this. Now ABC is put in the same position, and it's unfortunate they even have to be. They shouldn't have to be in this position", Stern emphasized as reported by The Daily Mail.

While Stern's strong comments on what happened are not shocking given his personality and history, internet users have weighed in on his reaction, with some accusing him of preferential treatment, like this user who wrote:

"The real test of principle is whether you defend it for people you don't like. Howard Stern defended Kimmel but not Roseanne. That shows how celebrities care about free speech when it's their friends — but not when it's their opponents."

Another X subscriber slammed the radio presenter for losing over 20 million listeners because he chose to go "woke." A third commenter defended the network, emphasizing that "employers have the right to protect their brand."

Another user challenged the reporter's conscience, asking why he had not maintained the same energy when Biden pressured Facebook to censor their content. "Says the guy who was ok with the government locking people up for going outside during Covid," this unimpressed X user declared.

The Blast stated that the network has received numerous forms of protest from the pro-Kimmel faction since they decided to fire him. 

At the premiere of their highly anticipated "Lilith Fair" documentary, the network experienced two of the top musical acts of the night canceling their set as a form of protest against Disney's decision. 

Sarah McLachlan and Jewel were billed to perform at the music festival after the screening. Instead, McLachlan apologized to the anticipating audience and explained that they canceled in support of free speech.

The 90s music star had initially confessed that she felt conflicted about attending the show in the first place due to the ongoing situation. McLachlan expressed hope that the movie will continue to facilitate changes in communities and inspire positivity.

Sources claimed the network was shocked to witness the celebratory event descend into a political atmosphere, but they still maintained their silence.

The "Driver's License" singer took to Instagram to share a post by the union on her story as part of her effort to condemn ABC for suspending Kimmel.

As reported by The Blast, Rodrigo emphasized her support for freedom of speech and registered her displeasure with the culture of "blatant censorship and abuse of power."

In SAG-AFTRA's post, the organization stressed that democracy is a positive tool that embraces the concept of multiple perspectives and does not seem to eliminate free speech.

The singer also shared David Letterman's protest against ABC, which described their action as an act of dictatorship. Letterman explained that it was wrong for the network to fire people because of their need to please "an authoritarian, a criminal administration in the Oval Office."

Looks like the company caved into the pressure from all quarters over the weekend and has decided to give the comedian his job back.

Hollywood Reporter detailed that the ABC parent company released a statement explaining that they suspended the show last Wednesday to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment" for the country.

The company added that some of the comments passed by the show anchor were not well thought out and considerate of people's feelings.

"We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday," the network stressed.

Sources revealed that Kimmel insisted he would not apologize for a misconstrued statement on Thursday during his meeting with the network executives. A decision the network felt would only escalate the backlash they have received following his initial comments. It remains unclear if Kimmel's show will air across the country when he returns.

Now that Jimmy Kimmel returns to the screens, will some apologies roll in?