Mark Ruffalo has expressed his strong support for Jimmy Kimmel following ABC’s decision to suspend the late-night host’s show indefinitely. The actor shared his concern amid a growing backlash against Disney after the network’s announcement on September 17, 2025. His comments highlighted the broader industry unease over the suspension‘s impact on free expression and corporate responsibility.
Celebrity Reactions Amplify Support for Kimmel
Following the suspension, several prominent figures have publicly defended Jimmy Kimmel. Mark Ruffalo posted on Threads about Disney’s stock decline after the talk show host’s show was paused, warning,
“It’s going to go down a lot further if they cancel his show. Disney does not want to be the ones that broke America.”
In solidarity, Pedro Pascal, who recently joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Mister Fantastic, shared a selfie with Kimmel on Instagram, emphasizing,
“Standing with you @jimmykimmellive Defend #FreeSpeech Defend #DEMOCRACY.”
Other supporters include Tatiana Maslany, the star of She-Hulk, who urged fans on Instagram to boycott Disney+ as a protest. Damon Lindelof, co-creator of ABC’s Lost, stated he would refuse to collaborate with Disney unless the suspension is reversed. Additionally, former late-night hosts Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien, and David Letterman, along with Grammy winner Olivia Rodrigo, have also voiced their backing.
Background Behind the Suspension and Industry Fallout
ABC Entertainment, a division under Disney, initiated the suspension shortly after the Federal Communications Commission criticized Jimmy Kimmel’s commentary on the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Kimmel had remarked that “the MAGA gang” was
“desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.”
This statement led to heightened scrutiny and ultimately to the network’s decision, sparking protests and debates around free speech and corporate influence in media.
Implications of the Suspension for Disney and the Entertainment Sector
The controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension signals deepening tensions within the entertainment industry between creators, corporations, and regulatory bodies. Mark Ruffalo’s vocal opposition, along with numerous other celebrities’ protests, underscores a growing concern about censorship and artistic freedom under major media conglomerates like Disney. The ongoing dispute could impact Disney’s public image and financial standing while influencing future decisions regarding content moderation. The situation remains fluid, with many watching closely to see if the network will reconsider its stance and reinstate Kimmel’s show.
