America's late-night TV hosts have rallied behind fellow comedian Jimmy Kimmel after he was suspended by ABC in a row over comments he made about the killing of Charlie Kirk.

Stephen Colbert began his show by saying we are all Jimmy Kimmel, and said the star's removal was a blatant assault on freedom of speech.

Seth Meyers declared it was a privilege and honour to call Jimmy Kimmel my friend, while Jon Stewart and Jimmy Fallon tackled the free speech issue by doing satirical sketches in which they were apparently forced to praise Donald Trump.

Their broadcasts came shortly after President Trump stated that the main networks were overwhelmingly negative about him and threatened to take away their licenses.

For years, Trump has focused on those in the media whom he views as his opponents. This latest decision has sent a chill through liberal America and encouraged the president's supporters, who have long criticized late-night talk show hosts for their critiques.

The controversy arose after Kimmel referred to the Maga gang attempting to spin the narrative surrounding a tragic event and likened Trump’s reaction to a child mourning a pet goldfish.

Critics, including Brendan Carr, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, labeled Kimmel's comments as sick and accused him of misleading the public.

With Trump’s administration keen on regulating media that they believe exercises opposition, the Kimmel incident may signify a troubling development for journalistic freedom, raising crucial ideas about the limits of free speech.

On CBS, Colbert emphasized that Kimmel’s suspension was blatant censorship and a continuation of the campaign against media critics. He also humorously connected the suspension to corporate interests, joking about companies capitulating to presidential whims.

A broader discussion on free speech and media censorship is unfolding, as differing perspectives reveal the polarization affecting America today. Conservative commentators have critiqued the response to Kimmel, questioning the consistency in claims of defending free speech.

Meanwhile, former late-night host David Letterman commented at a festival on the increasing trend of managed media and the absurdity it represents.

Kimmel’s suspension has become a symbol of a larger battle over media freedom, igniting strong reactions and debates nationwide.