Jimmy Kimmel Fired: WGA, SAG-AFTRA Defend Host's 'Freedom Of Speech' Amid Controversy, Condemn Suspension

The Writers Guild of America West, Screen Actors Guild (SAG), and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) have voiced their support for TV host Jimmy Kimmel following his suspension over remarks on the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. They defended Kimmel’s right to free speech and condemned what they called an “abuse of government power.”WGA Issues Statement On Jimmy Kimmel SuspensionIn a statement, the Writers Guild of America West said, “The right to speak our minds and to disagree with each other – to disturb, even – is at the very heart of what it means to be a free people. It is not to be denied. Not by violence, not by the abuse of governmental power, nor by acts of corporate cowardice.”Standing

in solidarity with Kimmel and his writers, they added, “As a Guild, we stand united in opposition to anyone who uses their power and influence to silence the voices of writers, or anyone who speaks in dissent. If free speech applied only to ideas we like, we needn’t have bothered to write it into the Constitution. What we have signed on to – painful as it may be at times – is the freeing agreement to disagree. Shame on those in government who forget this founding truth. As for our employers, our words have made you rich. Silencing us impoverishes the whole world. The WGA stands with Jimmy Kimmel and his writers.”SAG-AFTRA's Stands With Jimmy KimmelThe Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) also strongly condemned ABC's decision. “Our society depends on freedom of expression. Suppression of free speech and retaliation for speaking out on significant issues of public concern run counter to the fundamental rights we all rely on,” the Guild said.They added, “Democracy thrives when diverse points of view are expressed. The decision to suspend airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! is the type of suppression and retaliation that endangers everyone’s freedoms. SAG-AFTRA stands with all media artists and defends their right to express their diverse points of view, and everyone’s right to hear them.”This comes after the arrest of the 22-year-old suspect in Kirk’s killing.