Singer Olivia Rodrigo spoke out directly about the Jimmy Kimmel removal controversy.
Regarding ABC excluding host Jimmy Kimmel from the broadcast, Rodrigo strongly criticized it on her social media on the 21st (local time), calling it "an obvious act of censorship and abuse of power." She expressed solidarity, saying she supports Jimmy and freedom of expression.
Rodrigo shared a post quoting a statement released by the actors' union SAG-AFTRA saying "I stand with Jimmy." She also reposted an interview clip in which David Letterman criticized the incident, showing her support.
In the interview, Letterman told The Atlantic that "firing someone to curry favor with an authoritarian and criminal administration, or out of fear, is unacceptable," and added sharply, "this is not something a broadcaster should do."
Earlier, on the night of the 15th, Jimmy Kimmel mentioned political reactions surrounding conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed at age 31, during his show opening. He directly accused, "The MAGA gang is twisting the Charlie Kirk case for political gain," and also satirized former President Donald Trump's way of mourning.
He mockingly said, "Trump is at the fourth stage of grief, the demolition stage," and, referring to Trump lowering flags to half-staff to mourn the deceased, criticized, "This is not how an adult mourns a friend's death but the level of a 4-year-old reacting to losing a goldfish."
A strong backlash followed immediately after the broadcast. Federal Communications Commission Chairperson Brendan Carr warned he would consider legal action against ABC over Jimmy's remarks, and Nexstar Media Group, owner of major U.S. stations, publicly announced it would "replace the program on ABC-affiliated channels." Under pressure, ABC ultimately decided to suspend the program, causing shock.
Amid growing expressions of support for Kimmel throughout Hollywood, Rodrigo also publicly added her voice, and the controversy appears to be spreading further.
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