Olivia Rodrigo Snubs Disney Premiere In Jimmy Kimmel Protest
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on September 24, 2025 at 11:15 AM EDT
Olivia Rodrigo made headlines this weekend after reportedly pulling out of Disney’s "Lilith Fair" documentary premiere at the last minute. The move, sources say, was tied to her decision to stand in solidarity with embattled late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. The 22-year-old "Vampire" singer had been rumored to deliver a surprise performance at the star-studded Los Angeles premiere, but according to insiders, Rodrigo bowed out in protest. The no-show came just days after Olivia Rodrigo publicly addressed the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension.
Olivia Rodrigo's Last-Minute Pullout Adds Fuel To Kimmel Firestorm
Invitations to the premiere teased “special surprise performances,” with "Lilith Fair" founder Sarah McLachlan and fellow alum Jewel slated to take the stage. But when the lights dimmed, those sets never materialized. From the stage, McLachlan seemed to acknowledge the cancellations, while also reflecting on the broader cultural moment.
“It’s a gift for all of us to see [this film], but also I’ve grappled with being here tonight and around what to say about the present situation that we are all faced with,” McLachlan said, per the Daily Mail. “The stark contraction to the many advances we’ve made, watching the insidious erosion of women’s rights, of trans and queer rights, the muzzling of free speech.”
McLachlan urged attendees to see music as a bridge. “Though I don’t begin to know what the answer is," she added. "I believe we all need to work towards a softening, to let in the possibility of a better way.”
Though absent in person, Rodrigo still appears briefly in the closing moments of the "Lilith Fair" documentary. In her segment, she credits the groundbreaking all-female festival with shaping her as an artist. “The 'Lilith Fair' artists were my north stars,” Rodrigo said.
Olivia Rodrigo Joins Celebrity Backlash Against Kimmel Suspension
Her cancellation comes days after she threw her support behind Jimmy Kimmel, blasting ABC’s decision to suspend the late-night host. The former Disney+ star reposted a SAG-AFTRA statement on her Instagram Stories and added her own sharp words, “So upset over this blatant censorship and abuse of power. I stand with Jimmy Kimmel and I stand for freedom of speech.”
Her remarks quickly aligned her with a growing list of celebrities, unions, and industry leaders denouncing the suspension. SAG-AFTRA’s original message stressed that democracy “thrives when diverse points of view are expressed” and cautioned against silencing voices in entertainment.
Rodrigo doubled down by amplifying David Letterman’s fiery take, in which the retired host compared the move to an act of authoritarianism. “You can’t go around firing somebody because you’re fearful or trying to suck up to an authoritarian, a criminal, administration in the Oval Office. That’s just not how this works,” Letterman said during a live interview with The Atlantic.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Emotional Return Monologue
When "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" returned after a week-long suspension, the host wasted no time addressing the elephant in the room. Kimmel opened with a raw, 20-minute monologue that drew both a standing ovation from his studio audience and renewed outrage online. Fighting back emotion, he admitted his earlier remarks about Charlie Kirk’s death may have come across as “ill-timed or unclear,” but firmly rejected claims he had mocked the tragedy.
“I want you to understand it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man,” Kimmel said, his voice breaking. While acknowledging the sensitivity of the issue, he doubled down on his right to speak freely, even as he conceded that Disney and ABC were now under political fire for keeping him on the air.
“Unfortunately, and I think unjustly, this puts them at risk,” he continued. “The president of the United States made it very clear he wants to see me and the hundreds of people who work here fired from their jobs.”
Trump Threatens Legal Action Against ABC Over Kimmel’s Return
President Donald Trump wasted no time lashing out at both ABC and Jimmy Kimmel following the host’s controversial return to late night. Taking to Truth Social on Tuesday night, Trump blasted the network’s decision to reinstate Kimmel, accusing ABC of bowing to partisan pressure and hinting at a potential lawsuit.
“I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back,” Trump fumed, claiming the White House had previously been told the show was canceled. “Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his ‘talent’ was never there.”
Trump Compares Kimmel’s Return To Campaign Finance Violation
The president went further, suggesting that ABC’s backing of Kimmel amounted to “a major illegal campaign contribution” to Democrats. Trump even implied the matter could be lucrative for him legally, writing, “Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 million. This one sounds even more lucrative. A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad ratings.”
Kimmel’s return now stands at the center of a larger national debate, testing the limits of free speech, corporate responsibility, and the role of comedy in political discourse.
