"They should go on strike again": Internet reacts as SAG-AFTRA slams ABC's move against 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'

ABC's decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! has triggered a storm across social media platforms. The suspension came after host Kimmel made remarks about the killing of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk during his September 10 monologue.

Kimmel has previously criticized President Donald Trump and his allies. On Monday, he accused Charlie Kirk's supporters of using his death to "score political points." He also mocked Trump's public mourning and compared it to "how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish."

Within days, Nexstar Media Group announced it would stop airing the program. Pressure from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) only escalated the situation. On Wednesday, ABC suspended the late-night show "indefinitely."

SAG-AFTRA issued strong statements against Kimmel's suspension. Internet users reacted to this, saying:

"they should go on strike again"

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SAG-AFTRA's official statement on Jimmy Kimmel's suspension

SAG-AFTRA represents more than 160,000 performers, including actors, broadcasters, and recording artists. The union released a statement standing with Kimmel. It read:

"SAG-AFTRA condemns the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! 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. Democracy thrives when diverse points of view are expressed."

The statement continued:

"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. SAG-AFTRA & WGA Slam 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Suspension Jimmy Kimmel has the support of the Hollywood unions. SAG-AFTRA and WGA both slammed ABC's move to pause Jimmy Kimmel Live! over comments made about Charlie Kirk's killing."

Netizens were notably quick to weigh in on the matter as they reacted to SAG-AFTRA's statement. Below are some of their remarks:

"Nexstar Media Group decided to pull "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" from its ABC-affiliated stations indefinitely due to comments made by Kimmel regarding the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel's remarks were deemed offensive and insensitive.", penned an X user.

"Not everyone would agree to this, but it's okay to have a different point of view from everyone but be human enough.", stated another.

"suspended over free speech concerns, SAG-AFTRA's stance highlights how vital diverse voices are to democracy,", opined a third.

Others also chimed in:

"As a LONG-TIME member of SAG-AFTRA, I CONDEMN Sag-Aftra's condemnation of Kimmel's suspension.. He blatantly LIED on air, and while very few people were watching, this is unprofessional and against broadcast standards.", commented a netizen.

"He could literally just start a podcast and say whatever he wants. He could say it here if he wanted to. A lot of people lost their jobs over this.", shared another.

"So where was the condemnation when Roseanne was yanked off the air?", asked a third.

The American Federation of Musicians (AFM), whose members work on the suspended show, also joined the criticism. AFM president Tino Gagliardi stated that ABC's move was "a direct attack on free speech and artistic expression."

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Also Read: "Silencing us impoverishes the whole world": Writers Guild of America issues bombshell statement following Kimmel's ABC suspension

"What happened to free speech?": Internet reacts as Sinclair to replace 'Live!' with Charlie Kirk special