Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, and Jimmy Fallon opened their late-night shows Thursday using a mix of humor and solidarity with suspended ABC host Jimmy Kimmel.
Stewart opted for satire to critique ABC suspending “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” indefinitely following comments he made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Colbert took a more serious approach, calling his suspension “blatant censorship.” Fallon praised Kimmel and vowed to keep doing his show as usual.
Guests varied widely, with Fallon hosting actor Jude Law and journalist Tom Llamas, none of whom addressed Kimmel’s situation. Stewart and Colbert interviewed guests able to discuss censorship concerns raised by Kimmel’s suspension.
Maria Ressa, a journalist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, spoke with Stewart about coping mechanisms during times of censorship. Ressa recounted her experience facing 11 arrest warrants in one year under Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in their journalistic duties.
Stewart Makes Special Appearance to Skewer Kimmel Suspension
Stewart's segment began with a voiceover promising adherence to the ‘party line’ while satirizing criticisms of large cities and the National Guard's deployment for crime control.
He humorously mocked Trump’s decor changes in the Oval Office, reflecting the absurdity of the current political landscape. Stewart, who typically hosts only once a week, returned ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election to take on such pressing matters.
Swift Suspension After Remarks on Kirk’s Assassination
Kimmel faced severe backlash for his remarks on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” where he discussed the exploitation of Charlie Kirk’s death. Following the comments, ABC suspended Kimmel’s program amidst claims of spreading misinformation.
Colbert addressed Kimmel directly during his monologue, affirming support for freedom of speech and critiquing the pressures from political entities aimed at silencing media voices.
The discourse highlights a growing concern about media censorship and the manipulation of information in today’s political climate, with former host David Letterman expressing alarm over the implications for freedom and media integrity.
