The decision ignited outrage across Hollywood and Capitol Hill, as critics called it censorship and a direct attack on free speech.
Actor Ben Stiller, comedian Wanda Sykes, actress Sophia Bush and MSNBC’s Chris Hayes all condemned the blackout, with Hayes calling it “the most straightforward attack on free speech from state actors I’ve ever seen in my life and it’s not even close.” California Governor Gavin Newsom, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Senator Chris Murphy also blasted the move, accusing the Trump administration and GOP leaders of using Kirk’s death as a tool to silence dissent.
Online, the reaction was no less intense. Supporters of Kimmel and free expression called the blackout “pathetic,” “fascism,” and said “the First Amendment doesn’t exist in America anymore.” Others compared the move to broader cancel culture trends, pointing to similar removals of journalists and academics who criticized Kirk or the right. Despite the uproar, Kimmel has yet to make a public statement. A network spokesperson confirmed the show is “preempted indefinitely” while internal discussions continue.