LIVE: Jimmy Kimmel Supporters Protest Outside ABC Headquarters in New York

In a powerful show of solidarity, hundreds of Jimmy Kimmel supporters gathered outside the ABC headquarters in New York City on Monday afternoon, protesting the network’s decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! earlier this week. The protest quickly evolved into a broader movement defending free speech, satire, and the role of comedy in political discourse.

The crowd, made up of fans, media professionals, fellow comedians, and free speech advocates, began assembling around noon at ABC’s offices on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Many held signs with messages like “Free Jimmy,” “Comedy is Not a Crime,” and “Protect the First Amendment.”

The protest remained peaceful but energetic, with demonstrators chanting in unison:
“Bring Jimmy Back!”
“Hands off late night!”
“Disney, don’t silence truth!”

Industry Figures Join In

Several high-profile entertainers and late-night personalities expressed public support, either by appearing in person or sharing messages via social media. Comedian and former late-night host Samantha Bee briefly addressed the crowd with a megaphone.

“Jimmy spoke truth to power — and now power wants him gone,” she said. “This isn’t about one show. It’s about who gets to speak and who gets silenced.”

Actor and writer Kumail Nanjiani also made an unannounced appearance, stating:

“When we start pulling comedians off the air for telling the truth, we’re heading down a very dangerous road.”

Why the Protest?

The backlash follows ABC’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! after Kimmel delivered a politically charged monologue in response to a recent national tragedy. The monologue, which criticized former President Donald Trump’s rhetoric surrounding the event, quickly drew complaints from conservative groups and federal regulatory attention — including a public statement from FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr.

ABC cited “concerns over regulatory compliance and broadcast standards” in its brief statement on the suspension. However, critics argue that the move was clearly driven by political pressure and amounted to censorship.

A Growing Wave of Support

Beyond the streets of New York, support for Kimmel has surged online. The hashtag #StandWithKimmel has been trending globally, and a petition to reinstate the show has garnered over 2.7 million signatures in just three days.

Other late-night hosts — including Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers, and even Jimmy Fallon — have also spoken out. In a rare moment of unity, Fallon broke his usual apolitical tone to say:

“We don’t always agree, but we all stand for each other’s right to speak. Jimmy deserves that right.”

ABC and Disney Remain Silent

As the protest continued into the evening, ABC and parent company Disney remained quiet, offering no new statements. Security at the building was heightened, with NYPD officers monitoring the crowd and setting up barricades, though no incidents or arrests were reported.

Organizers say this is just the beginning. Protests are expected to continue throughout the week unless ABC reinstates Kimmel’s show or addresses public concerns.

For many present, the issue goes beyond one TV host.

“It’s not just about Jimmy,” one protester said. “It’s about whether we still have the right to challenge those in power — with jokes, with truth, and without fear.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNikBm0btyA