Howard Stern launched a scathing critique of ABC’s decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel, calling it “really dumb and fucking horrible” and announcing he’s canceling his Disney+ subscription in protest. Stern, returning to his SiriusXM show on Monday, September 22, addressed the ongoing controversy, stating, “When the government says, ‘I’m not pleased with you, so we’re going to orchestrate a way to silence you,’ it’s the wrong direction for our country. It isn’t good.”
This follows an uproar from conservatives over a joke Kimmel made concerning the suspect accused of killing Charlie Kirk. Brendan Carr, Trump’s Federal Communications Commission chairman, had urged broadcasters to stop airing the show. Shortly after, Nexstar and Sinclair, which operate numerous ABC affiliates nationwide, announced they would preempt Kimmel’s program. ABC then made its decision to pull the show.
“You can’t support this kind of a move,” Stern stated about Kimmel’s suspension. “I don’t care whether you like Jimmy or not. It’s about freedom of speech.” He emphasized that if ABC had chosen to fire Kimmel over personal dislike or low ratings,that would be one thing,but this action stemmed from pressure by the U.S. government. “We can’t have that,not if we’re going to have a democracy,” he declared.
Stern shared that the situation felt particularly “painful” due to his close friendship with Kimmel and his wife, Molly McNearney. He praised them as “two of the funniest people I have ever met.”
The host also recalled his own experiences with the FCC in the early 1990s. At that time, the agency pursued Stern over content deemed indecent, rather than political commentary. However, he noted echoes of the current situation.The FCC imposed millions in fines on Stern’s former parent company, Infinity Broadcasting, threatened to revoke its broadcasting license, and even delayed its acquisition of three radio stations. The sale eventually proceeded. Nexstar, the first company to announce it would preempt Kimmel, is currently pursuing a $6.2 billion merger with Tegna, which requires FCC approval.
Stern further criticized ABC, universities, and other companies for capitulating to Trump. “The basis of this country is the government doesn’t tell you what to say,” he asserted, adding, “Someone’s got to stand up and be fucking saying, ‘Hey, enough, we’re not gonna bow.'”
Kimmel has garnered support from numerous friends and colleagues, including fellow late-night hosts, both past and present. In an opinion piece, comedian Billy eichner wrote, “Jimmy kimmel’s suspension under these circumstances is a fundamental attack on each individual American, irrespective of party affiliation, regardless of whether or not you even vote. It affects every single American’s ability to lead the life they want to lead, to think whatever they want to think.I truly believe it is that fundamental.”
