Stephen King has shifted his usual focus from reviewing horror films and critiquing Donald Trump to addressing the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel by ABC. The late-night host, known for his vocal opposition to Trump, was taken off the air following remarks made about Republicans’ reactions to the shooting involving Charlie Kirk. King expressed his frustration with the network’s handling of the situation, highlighting a larger issue surrounding corporate priorities.
Context Behind Kimmel’s Suspension and Industry Response
The decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel came shortly after Brendan Carr, chair of the Federal Communications Commission and an ally of Trump, criticized Kimmel’s recent podcast comments. Carr threatened consequences for ABC and its parent company Disney, prompting the TV station owner Nexstar Media to refuse airing Kimmel’s show. As a result, ABC announced an indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Wednesday.
Several prominent late-night hosts and celebrities quickly voiced their support for Kimmel. Personalities like Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, Stephen Colbert, and Jon Stewart spoke out against the suspension, describing it as a concerning moment for free expression and democracy.
King’s Message on Corporate Morality and Public Support
Stephen King took to social media to criticize ABC’s motivations, emphasizing the role of profit in corporate decisions. He wrote on X,
“Don’t expect corporations (lookin’ at you, ABC) to behave morally,”
followed by,
“Corps care about one thing: profit$. If you want Jimmy Kimmel back, you gotta holler your head off.”
King’s comments reflected his strong disapproval and encouraged fans to speak out in defense of Kimmel.
Significance and Future Implications of Kimmel’s Suspension
The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel underscores ongoing tensions between corporate interests, political influence, and free speech in media. The involvement of FCC chair Brendan Carr and Nexstar Media’s refusal to air Kimmel’s show signals a broader conflict over political commentary on major platforms. The high-profile reactions from actors and hosts indicate widespread concern about what this suspension means for open discourse on television.
How ABC and Disney respond to public pressure in the coming days may determine whether Kimmel’s show returns to air and how networks will handle politically charged content going forward.
Don't expect corporations (lookin' at you, ABC) to behave morally. Corps care about one thing: profit$. If you want Jimmy Kimmel back, you gotta holler your head off.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) September 19, 2025
Actually, as the Declaration of Independence said long before ABC took Kimmel off the air, "This is a truth which is self-evident."
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) September 19, 2025
