Zohran Mamdani Cancels ABC Town Hall Event Over Jimmy Kimmel's Suspension

Zohran Mamdani Cancels ABC Town Hall Event Over Jimmy Kimmel's Suspension

The Democratic nominee, Mamdani, had previously been scheduled to participate in a town hall event this week.

New York:

Democratic mayoral candidate for New York City, Zohran Mamdani, announced on Monday his decision to withdraw from a town hall organized by a local ABC affiliate following the national network's suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.

Mamdani explained that his cancellation came in response to ABC pulling Kimmel's show from the air amid backlash over the host's remarks regarding conservative activist Charlie Kirk's killing.

"I am withdrawing not as an indictment of the local affiliate or the hardworking journalists, but rather in response to the corporate leaders who have put their bottom line ahead of their responsibility in upholding the freedom of the press," Mamdani stated.

The 33-year-old Democratic nominee had been slated to attend a town hall this week organized by WABC-TV, ABC's local affiliate, but will no longer participate. Mamdani is competing against former Governor Andrew Cuomo, current Mayor Eric Adams, and Republican Curtis Sliwa in November's city election.

Later on Monday, ABC announced the lifting of Kimmel's suspension, stating that the host would return to his show on Tuesday. The network released a statement indicating they had "spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy."

Mamdani's campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the announcement of Kimmel's reinstatement.

ABC had initially suspended Kimmel last week after broadcasters Nexstar and Sinclair announced they would not air "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr threatened consequences if Kimmel was not disciplined. Republican President Donald Trump, who described Kirk as a "great American hero," had applauded the suspension.

On his program, Kimmel had made several comments regarding reactions to Kirk's killing, including that "many in MAGA land are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk." Kimmel has not issued any public statement since his suspension.

The suspension has sparked significant debate concerning free speech and government censorship. More than 430 entertainment industry professionals signed an open letter on Monday from the American Civil Liberties Union describing the move as "a dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation."

In his statement, Mamdani argued that the suspension sends "a message that the First Amendment is no longer a right that can be counted on, but rather that it is the government which will determine what should and should not be discussed, what can and cannot be spoken."