Bill Maher Supports Jimmy Kimmel Amid ABC Suspension, Reflects on Own 2001 Controversy
Bill Maher expressed support for Jimmy Kimmel following ABC's suspension of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' and drew parallels to his own 2001 controversy with the network.
Bill Maher addressed ABC's recent suspension of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' during his 'Real Time' monologue, expressing solidarity with fellow late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Maher began by noting, "Well, I guess you all heard Jimmy Kimmel, my friend, my compatriot, he's canned by ABC for comments he made about Charlie Kirk's assassin." He added, "Let me just tell you something: I am not intimidated by the FCC. And if President Trump is watching, I have one thing to say to you — have you lost weight?"
Reflecting on his own experience, Maher recalled the controversy that led to the cancellation of his ABC show 'Politically Incorrect' in 2001. He stated, "It was 24 years to the day that I made comments on ABC that got me canceled from that network, and Jimmy Kimmel took my slot at Politically Incorrect. Oh yes, I got canceled before cancel even had a culture."
Maher continued to support Kimmel, saying, "Jimmy, pal, I am with you, I support you, and on the bright side, you don't have to pretend anymore that you like Disneyland." He further encouraged Kimmel by noting, "Jimmy, let me just say, you did a great, funny show for two decades. You should be proud of that. If this firing goes for you the way it did for me, you'll get 23 years on a better network."
The suspension of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' followed Kimmel's remarks about Tyler Robinson, the alleged shooter of Charlie Kirk. Kimmel commented, "We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang 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."
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr criticized Kimmel's comments, describing them as "truly sick" and suggesting that broadcasters should "push back" on such programming.
Maher's remarks highlight ongoing debates about free speech and the responsibilities of broadcasters in the current political climate.