In the ever-evolving landscape of late-night television, the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel and his long-running ABC program Jimmy Kimmel Live! has become a lightning rod for conversations about politics, media, and freedom of speech in America. The decision by ABC to indefinitely pull the show following Kimmel’s comments about the fatal shooting of conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk on September 10 has sparked a cascade of reactions from fans, politicians, and celebrities alike. Now, another giant of late-night, Jay Leno, has weighed in on the controversy.
Leno, 75, spoke to Access Hollywood while attending the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony for former Fox News anchor Chris Wallace. Known for his measured, pragmatic demeanor, the former Tonight Show host made it clear that he believes Kimmel will ultimately be fine despite the turmoil.
“I think Jimmy will land on his feet,” Leno said. “He’s a talented guy, he’s funny, and let’s see what happens. He may be back on in just a couple of weeks again, so we’ll see.”
While not dismissing the seriousness of the suspension, Leno emphasized his belief that the situation should ultimately be left in the hands of the viewers. “It’s a comedian talking. If you don’t like it, don’t watch it,” he added. “Let the people decide. If the people like his show, it stays on the air. It’s as simple as that.”
Jay Leno on Comedy, Controversy, and Free Speech
Leno, who famously steered The Tonight Show through both ratings dominance and controversy, made clear that his stance is firmly rooted in the principle of free expression. “I’m for free speech,” he told Access Hollywood. Quoting Patrick Henry with a humorous twist, Leno added: “Patrick Henry said it best—‘Give me speech or give me death.’ That was the first go around with this argument. It’s been going on for 200 years, and in a free society, it’ll go on for another 200.”
His defense of Kimmel is particularly notable given their complicated history. The two comedians clashed in 2010 during an infamous segment on The Jay Leno Show, where Kimmel mocked Leno on-air over the messy late-night shuffle that involved Conan O’Brien’s short-lived run as host of The Tonight Show. At the time, the jab left Leno embarrassed and fueled years of tension between the two.
Reflecting on that moment in a 2023 interview with Graham Bensinger, Leno admitted he had regretted letting Kimmel’s joke air unedited. “When Kimmel came on my show and humiliated me on my own show, I let it happen. It was my mistake—I trusted somebody,” Leno said. “I should pay the price. That’s how you learn.”
Despite that painful chapter, Leno has since acknowledged that he and Kimmel made peace, particularly after Kimmel’s young son underwent heart surgery in 2017, a time when Leno privately reached out with words of support.
The Spark of Controversy
The current uproar stems from Kimmel’s monologue on September 16, where he discussed the murder of Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA. “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang trying to characterize this kid who killed Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it,” Kimmel said during the broadcast.
His remarks quickly drew ire from conservative circles and, according to reports, prompted direct pressure from the FCC. Within days, ABC announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would be “pre-empted indefinitely,” a decision that has since been echoed by Nexstar Media Group, one of ABC’s largest affiliate broadcasters. Nexstar issued a statement condemning Kimmel’s remarks and pledging to replace his program with alternative programming in its markets.
Kimmel, 57, has reportedly refused to apologize for the comments and is said to be furious over ABC’s decision. Sources close to the comedian told outlets that he is “absolutely livid” and actively exploring ways to break free of his contract.
A Chorus of Voices
Leno is only the latest high-profile figure to comment on the suspension, which has ignited a broader cultural debate. Fellow late-night hosts have rallied behind Kimmel, using their own shows to both mock and criticize the decision.
Jimmy Fallon, host of NBC’s The Tonight Show, addressed the controversy on Thursday night: “Well, guys, the big story is that Jimmy Kimmel was suspended by ABC after pressure from the FCC, leaving everyone thinking, ‘WTF?’ I do know Jimmy Kimmel, and he is a decent, loving, funny guy. And I hope he comes back.”
Jon Stewart, who made a surprise mid-week appearance on The Daily Show, used satire to spotlight the absurdity of what he called “administration-compliant” media. “We have another fun, hilarious, administration-compliant show,” Stewart joked, before mocking both Trump and the political climate that led to Kimmel’s suspension.
Seth Meyers also addressed the situation on NBC’s Late Night. “Donald Trump is on his way back from a trip to the United Kingdom, where he was met with protest, while back here at home, his administration is pursuing a crackdown on free speech,” Meyers said. He added, “It is a privilege and honor to call Jimmy Kimmel my friend, the same way it is a privilege and honor to do this show every night. I wake up every day and count my blessings that I at least live in a country that purports to value freedom of speech.”
Meanwhile, David Letterman, speaking at the Atlantic Festival, blasted the move as both “silly” and “dangerous.” “You can’t go around firing somebody because you’re fearful or trying to suck up to an authoritarian criminal administration in the Oval Office,” he said, warning that the chilling effect of censorship would eventually touch everyone in media.
Old Feuds, New Battles
For Leno, whose own career was marked by intense rivalries and public scrutiny, Kimmel’s ordeal serves as a reminder of the tightrope late-night hosts walk when politics and comedy collide. Though the two comedians may not have always seen eye-to-eye, Leno’s comments suggest a recognition of the bigger picture: that the integrity of comedy—and the principle of free speech—supersede personal grudges.
“I like Jimmy, I like all those guys,” Leno said. “They’re really talented. And if we start punishing comics for doing their jobs, where does that leave us?”
As the media world waits to see whether Kimmel will return to his desk, Leno’s words resonate with both humor and history. He’s a veteran who knows firsthand the consequences of controversy but also understands the enduring value of resilience in entertainment.
Kimmel himself has yet to issue a detailed public statement beyond his monologue, though paparazzi spotted him Thursday arriving at his lawyer’s office in Los Angeles with what some described as a “defiant smirk.”
For now, the suspension continues, and the late-night world holds its breath. If Leno’s prediction holds true, however, Kimmel may not be gone for long.
Conclusion
Jay Leno’s decision to speak out in support of Jimmy Kimmel underscores the seriousness of this moment for American media. With the suspension raising questions about censorship, political influence, and the role of comedy in democracy, voices like Leno’s serve as a reminder of what’s at stake. “It’s been going on for 200 years,” he said, “and in a free society, it’ll go on for another 200.”
As the controversy continues, one thing is clear: late-night comedy, once dismissed as mere entertainment, has become a frontline in America’s cultural and political battles—and Jay Leno is standing up, perhaps surprisingly, on the side of his old rival.
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