Last week, Jimmy Kimmel returned to the air after a six-day suspension instigated by backlash over his Sept. 15 monologue criticizing the “MAGA gang.” Initially, Disney and ABC bowed to pressure, including threats from the Trump-appointed FCC chairman Brendan Carr, but faced significant public outcry that prompted them to reverse the suspension. Despite this, some ABC affiliates, particularly owned by Sinclair and Nexstar, initially boycotted his return but soon resumed broadcasting.
The article highlights three main factors behind Kimmel’s reinstatement: financial self-interest, bipartisan political pressure, and a shared commitment to free speech. Disney’s decision to bring Kimmel back was influenced by customer outrage and plummeting stock prices. Notably, criticism came from both Democratic and Republican figures, which emphasized a rare bipartisan concern for free expression. Kimmel himself framed his return as a stand against anti-American government threats to silence comedians.
There’s speculation about whether this moment can spur broader movements for free speech, especially regarding more serious issues like government censorship in media. Jonathan Friedman of PEN America views Kimmel’s comeback as potentially significant in today’s free-speech landscape, while former Labor Secretary Robert Reich sees it as a reflection of an awakening American spirit against the Trump era.
In contrast, the article critiques recent New York Times pieces for their misleading narratives, particularly David Brooks’ false equivalence between political issues and social behaviors. Overall, the author urges readers to consider this victory not as isolated but as a stepping stone towards a more significant free speech movement.
