Democrats Introduce Free Speech Bill Amid Row Over Jimmy Kimmel Suspension

Democrats Introduce Free Speech Bill Following Jimmy Kimmel Suspension

ABC's decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel's late-night program came after remarks he made regarding Charlie Kirk.

Congressional Democrats have responded to ABC's suspension of comedian Jimmy Kimmel's show by introducing legislation aimed at strengthening free speech protections against government officials. This action follows threats from Brendan Carr, head of the Federal Communications Commission, which Democrats claim led to Kimmel's suspension.

Although the proposed bill faces slim chances of passing through the Republican-dominated Congress, Democratic lawmakers have strongly criticized the Trump administration for what they perceive as applying pressure on ABC regarding Kimmel's commentary on Republicans' reaction to the Charlie Kirk shooting incident.

Earlier this week, Kimmel commented that "many in MAGA land are working very hard to capitalize on" the assassination attempt and suggested that Trump supporters were attempting to distance themselves from the individual charged with the attack by portraying him as "anything other than one of them."

In response, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr labeled Kimmel's statements as "truly sick" and indicated that his agency could potentially hold Walt Disney Co., the parent company of Kimmel's network, accountable for spreading misinformation. This threat carries particular weight as Disney is currently seeking FCC approval for ESPN's acquisition of the NFL Network.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer has called for Carr's dismissal over the incident.