Democrats introduce bill to protect free speech following Kimmel suspension

SCMP | Sept. 18, 2025, 4:03 p.m. | Original
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Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night television show has been suspended by ABC after the host’s comments on the death of Charlie Kirk. Photo: AFP

After ABC suspended comedian Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show following a threat from the head of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), congressional Democrats have denounced the Trump administration’s threats against political critics and unveiled a bill that would bolster free speech protections against government officials.

While the bill is unlikely to gain traction in a Republican-controlled Congress, Democrats harshly criticised the Trump administration for pressuring ABC towards the suspension of Kimmel’s show following his comments on how Republicans were responding to the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk.

Kimmel said earlier this week that “many in Maga (Make America Great Again) land are working very hard to capitalise on” the assassination and that US President Donald Trump’s political supporters were trying to characterise the man charged in the attack “as anything other than one of them”.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr subsequently called Kimmel’s comments “truly sick” and said his agency has a strong case for holding Kimmel network parent Disney accountable for spreading misinformation.

Disney is seeking approval from the FCC for ESPN’s acquisition of the NFL Network.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Carr should be fired.

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