I don't often get political on here but the Jimmy Kimmel issue is really bothering me. People are saying that he should be free to say whatever he chooses without repercussion. I say yes, he's free to say what he likes but that doesn't mean he is free from the consequences that stem from those words.
I asked Bing AI and this was the answer I got see
You’re absolutely right that freedom of speech doesn’t shield anyone from consequences—especially in a workplace or public platform context. The First Amendment protects individuals from government censorship, but it doesn’t guarantee immunity from employer decisions, public backlash, or regulatory scrutiny.
In Jimmy Kimmel’s case, the controversy stemmed from his remarks following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Initially, Kimmel expressed sympathy, but days later, he criticized the “MAGA gang” for allegedly politicizing the tragedy and mischaracterizing the shooter’s motives. That shift in tone sparked outrage, particularly among conservative circles and FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who warned ABC of potential repercussions if they didn’t act.
ABC, owned by Disney, suspended the show indefinitely, citing concerns over the timing and sensitivity of Kimmel’s comments. Nexstar and Sinclair, two major broadcasting groups, also pulled the show from their affiliate stations, saying the remarks were “offensive and insensitive”.
So yes—while some blame President Trump for pressuring media outlets, it’s also fair to say Kimmel’s own words played a central role. Employers often have policies about public conduct, especially when it affects brand reputation or regulatory compliance. And when you’re on national television, the stakes are even higher.
It’s a messy intersection of free speech, corporate responsibility, and political influence. Do you think this sets a dangerous precedent for other public figures, or was it a necessary line to draw?
I promise tomorrow will be back to my regular kind of posting. I just needed to get this off my chest. I'm tired of celebrities who think they can do or say whatever they want because of their fame.
17 comments:
Kimmel did apologize for the insensitive remark, and I agree he should have. And ABC, Sinclair and Nexstar put him back on, presumably because of public pressure on the advertisers. Apparently they thought taking Kimmel off hurt their brands more. I wish more public figures would be careful of the insensitive and inflammatory things they say. But unfortunately that's not likely to happen. Much love.
Hi. I am back
Honestly, I think you nailed it. Freedom of speech is one thing, but freedom from consequences is another. When you’re on such a big stage like Kimmel, your words carry extra weight. Whether you agree with him or not, ABC and other networks have every right to consider how his comments impact their reputation. It’s not about silencing voices it’s about accountability. Celebrities sometimes forget that fame doesn’t give them a pass. At the end of the day, actions and words both come with responsibility.
I have never seen his show, and never will. I did not hear what he said, so no comment on that, but I do think that we need freedom of speech without the president attacking those who talk about him. that said what we say and do always has consequences, and it should.
Words and actions have consequences and should be used accordingly.
You're spot on, Ann. No need to apologize. I don't like Kimmel. I don't like most of Hollyweird. I don't care for the mainstream media. I don't care for most politicians. When blogs are mostly political I'm gone.
Have a fabulous day and week, Ann. Big hug to you and lots of scritches to Gibbs. ♥
ANN I love Sandee's comment..and 100% agree
I worked in public service for a University so many protests go on at universities all over but in the end the participants are held accountable. They have the right to free speech BUT not at the expensive of others. No matter a politics we should never belittle the passing of anyone.
I don't like Kimmel either.
Hugs and you just stay on your soapbox I'm coming to join you
Cecilia
Sorry for the delete I had a zillion typos...guess my fingers got
to quick
I completely agree! I understand that his ratings have been dropping though and I think eventually his show will get cancelled for good.
I have never watched him and I did not know what he said. I jut now looked it up. Regardless of any kind of politics, I can not imagine a person snide remarks of any kind about the assassination of anyone. The very thought is troubling because such a tragedy..no matter who the person is...represents loss, violence and deep grief for families, communities and even nations. To respond with sarcasm or cruelty in the face of death diminishes our shared humanity and ignores the sacredness of lift itself. So sad.......
I am glad you brought it up. You have free speech too.
I don't watch him and won't. I did hear what he said though.
You are so right - I guess we can say what we want - but absolutely we must deal with the fallout from what was said. Plus, it just keeps on hurting the country and splitting us and setting us up for more conflict.
Hi Ann, I have no problem with you posting about your feelings on any topic that you wish to address. To be honest, I am not familiar with a lot about this (as I live in Montreal, Canada), so I don't know everything this man did or said, but yes, free speech is good. However, I think we need to be careful about how we word our phrases, especially in political or religious matters!
Sometimes people can get offended, and although I don't think we should have to walk on eggshells, I think it is important to be positive and not look like we have the right to judge others. Sure we have our opinions, and this is fine, but we cannot force this on others.
Hope you don't mind my commenting, and normally I wouldn't, but I just wanted to say that especially in a public situation it is important to be careful how we word things.
This in no way gives anyone the right to attack, use violence or to kill someone! Using violence is never right, no matter what the circumstance, as it solves nothing.
The entire world is in such a mess now! You never know what's going to happen next. It's sad.
I don’t watch late night TV and have stopped reading social media because of all the negativity, not to mention all the bots out there, way too depressing. All your commenters were very interesting to read and it’s good to know everyone’s opinion. I certainly don’t like a lot of things said by comedians or politicians but there is nothing new there. The old fashioned way was just to turn off the radio or TV, now it’s instantaneous on the internet, and played over and over again, politicized and magnified. At least we can block them. There are always consequences but everyone is entitled and should be entitled to free speech. I applaud you for yours and good for you for letting us know how you feel.
Hi Ann, I agree with Denise and watch very little of the news and stuff all over the internet, because it is way too depressing.
I agree 100%. We do have free speech but we are not free from the consequences. I have been avoiding the news and social media because some people are just so hateful. I don't care what anyone's political views are but I've seen so many wishing harm or worse for anyone that they don't agree politically with and it is just wrong on every level.
I don't have TV and I don't know anything about the talk show host, as I don't watch him or care about his show. Someone told he's back on but that's about all I know.
I don't care about any of the late night talk shows, to be fair. We don't have TV and even if we did, I'd be in my coffin by then, snoozing away.
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