Stars Unite: Disney+ Subscriptions Canceled in Protest of Kimmel's Suspension
SHOCKING SUSPENSION SQUALL: Hollywood Elite Rises Up Against Disney's ABC in Support of Jimmy Kimmel
The entertainment world is abuzz with outrage as a bevy of A-list celebrities, including Howard Stern and Andy Cohen, joined forces to protest the indefinite suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel from Disney's ABC. The controversy began when FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatened repercussions against Kimmel for his comments on Donald Trump's reaction to Charlie Kirk's death.
Howard Stern Unleashes Fury Against Disney
Talk radio legend Howard Stern, 71, broke his silence on Monday morning, unleashing a scathing tirade against Disney and its parent company ABC. "I can no longer keep my mouth shut," Stern declared, as he revealed he had canceled his Disney+ subscription in protest of the suspension.
"I feel obligated to say something, because s**t's getting outta control," Stern ranted, adding that he had spoken to Kimmel since the suspension and only asked about his friend's well-being. "I just know when the government begins to interfere, when the government says, 'I'm not pleased with you, so we're gonna orchestrate a way to silence you,' it's the wrong direction for our country," Stern stressed.
Andy Cohen Weighs In on SiriusXM
SiriusXM host Andy Cohen also expressed his outrage over Kimmel's suspension. "Imagine if Biden was going after Greg Gutfeld to lose his broadcast license. That's called free speech. Silencing your enemies is un-American," Cohen told listeners, praising Republicans like Ted Cruz for standing up for freedom of speech.
A-listers Rally Around Kimmel
But Stern and Cohen aren't alone in their outrage. A slew of Hollywood heavyweights have come out in support of Kimmel, including Jennifer Aniston, Ben Affleck, Tom Hanks, Selena Gomez, Pedro Pascal, Natalie Portman, and Robert De Niro.
The actors signed a letter organized by the ACLU, condemning "threats to our freedom of speech" over Kimmel's suspension. "Efforts by leaders to pressure artists, journalists, and companies with retaliation for their speech strike at the heart of what it means to live in a free country," the letter read.
Olivia Rodrigo Joins the Fray
Disney alum Olivia Rodrigo, who launched her career on Disney+'s High School Musical: The Musical: The Series before her solo breakout, voiced her outrage over the situation by reposting SAG-AFTRA's statement on Kimmel's suspension. "I stand with Jimmy Kimmel and I stand for freedom of speech," Rodrigo declared.
John Legend and Josh Gad Weigh In
Other high-profile stars who have weighed in on social media include John Legend, Josh Gad, Alison Brie, Jamie Lee Curtis, Halsey, and Henry Winkler. Even MSNBC host Chris Hayes has chimed in, calling it "the most straightforward attack on free speech from state actors I've ever seen in my life and it's not even close."
Gavin Newsom Warns of a Broader Conspiracy
California Governor Gavin Newsom also weighed in on the controversy, warning that the suspension is part of a broader conspiracy to control media platforms. "Buying and controlling media platforms. Firing commentators. Canceling shows. These aren't coincidences. It's coordinated. And it's dangerous."
Donald Trump Celebrates Kimmel's Suspension
But not everyone is opposed to Kimmel's suspension. Donald Trump, ever the provocateur, took to Truth Social to celebrate the news. "Great News for America," he declared, labeling Kimmel "ZERO talent" with "worse ratings than even Colbert."
What Led to Kimmel's Suspension?
So what led to Kimmel's suspension in the first place? The controversy began when Kimmel made comments on his late-night show regarding Charlie Kirk's death. "The MAGA gang are desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it," Kimmel said.
Will Disney Back Down?
As the controversy continues to simmer, it remains to be seen whether Disney will back down on its decision to suspend Kimmel. But one thing is certain: the suspension has sparked a firestorm of outrage across Hollywood, with many stars willing to take a stand for freedom of speech.
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