Mike Ward Calls Out Suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s Show as Political

MONTREAL – Canadian comedian Mike Ward has expressed strong disapproval over the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, calling the decision “unthinkable.” The suspension comes in response to comments made by Kimmel regarding the assassination of Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, which aired on Kimmel’s Monday and Tuesday night shows.

The broadcast company ABC announced on September 19, 2025, that it had suspended Kimmel’s show following his remarks linking the suspected assassin to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s political movement. Ward, known for his advocacy of free speech, criticized the action on social media platform X, asserting that the suspension was politically motivated and indicative of a troubling trend in American society.

Ward’s Advocacy for Free Speech

Ward’s career has been marked by his commitment to free expression, a principle he staunchly defended during a lengthy legal battle. He faced controversy after a routine where he mocked a disabled singer, resulting in a court order to pay damages. This case eventually reached the Supreme Court of Canada, which ruled in 2021 that his comments did not constitute discrimination under Quebec’s rights charter.

In his recent posts, Ward praised Kimmel as a supporter of free speech, describing him as “the nicest guy.” He placed the blame for the suspension squarely on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), stating, “This is 100 percent political.” Ward lamented the erosion of America’s reputation as a bastion of free speech, saying, “USA was THE global symbol of free speech, it’s turning into a pale copy of a once great nation. Shame on you America.”

The Broader Implications

The suspension of Kimmel’s show has ignited discussions around censorship and political influence in media. Supporters of Kimmel argue that his comments were taken out of context, while critics contend that they reflect a deeper issue of accountability in entertainment. As a prominent figure in comedy, Kimmel’s situation raises questions about the balance between free speech and public responsibility in the current political climate.

Ward’s comments resonate with many who fear that political agendas are increasingly dictating the boundaries of acceptable discourse. The reaction to Kimmel’s suspension may foreshadow broader implications for late-night television and how comedians navigate controversial topics in their routines.

This report was first published by the Canadian Press. The developments surrounding Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension are being closely observed in both the entertainment industry and the public sphere, as debates over freedom of expression continue to unfold.