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'Sharply partisan reactions': Kimmel's suspension sparks debate around freedom of speech

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Fri, 19 Sept 2025, 8:55am
ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel after his monologue criticising Donald Trump and his allies. Photo / Getty Images
ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel after his monologue criticising Donald Trump and his allies. Photo / Getty Images

'Sharply partisan reactions': Kimmel's suspension sparks debate around freedom of speech

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Fri, 19 Sept 2025, 8:55am

The axing of Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show has sparked debate around freedom of speech. 

Kimmel has been pulled off air indefinitely by ABC over his comments relating to the Charlie Kirk killing. 

The late-night host suggested Kirk, who was shot at a Utah University last week, was killed by a pro-Trump Republican. 

US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking reactions are sharply partisan. 

He says that some, like former Fox host Geraldo Rivera, believe Kimmel’s statements were inappropriate and it’s wrong to overthink the suspension and make it about government, censorship, and other issues. 

But on the other side, Arnold says, is people like former President Barack Obama, who says cancel culture has been taken to a new and dangerous level. 

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