Kerry Washington, the actress known for “Scandal,” “Django Unchained,” and more, posted on Threads and Instagram Thursday afternoon in support of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.
ABC announced Wednesday that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” would cease airing indefinitely. The ABC spokesperson who spoke with Rolling Stone did not give a reason. However, the decision came after Nexstar Media Group announced “that the company’s owned and partner television stations affiliated with the ABC Television Network will preempt “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” for the foreseeable future” due to Kimmel’s recent comments about Charlie Kirk’s passing.
Here’s what Kimmel actually said on his recently-Emmy nominated ABC talk show:
“We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”
Kerry Washington’s Post to Jimmy Kimmel
Kimmel has yet to make a statement regarding his late-night show’s forced hiatus. However, plenty of other people have made public posts defending and supporting their friend and colleague. Washington took to two different social media sites to share her thoughts on the situation.
In a letter to Kimmel as both a Threads post and an Instagram caption, Washington praised Kimmel for his friendship and encouragement. That’s why, she said, “it’s my turn to stand with and for you.” She went on to commend Kimmel’s kindness, generosity, and ability to inspire those around him. She called ABC’s decision both unfair and unjust.
Washington also mentioned another recently canceled late-night talk show: “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” The “Ray” actress used her post to accuse CBS of silencing Colbert after they canceled the “Late Show” franchise.
CBS claimed they canceled “The Late Show” for financial reasons, not anything having to do with the content of the show. The announcement came after Colbert criticized a lawsuit settlement between Paramount Global and President Donald Trump, according to Politico.
Other Celebrities Showed Support For Kimmel
Washington was one of many celebrities who took to social media to express their disappointment with ABC’s decision and to back the talk show host. Wanda Sykes, who was supposed to be Kimmel’s guest star on Wednesday, asked for prayers in an Instagram video.
“Knives Out” actress Jamie Lee Curtis reposted a Kimmel quote on her Instagram story that read, ““I don’t think anyone should be canceled. I really don’t.” Recent Emmy Award winner Jean Smart posted a photo of herself with Kimmel on Instagram writing, “I am horrified at the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel Live. What Jimmy said was FREE speech, not hate speech.”
Other celebrities who came to Kimmel’s defense included Steve Martin, Barack Obama, Alex Edelman, Mike Birbiglia, Chris Hayes, Margaret Cho, and more. Fellow late-night host Jimmy Fallon canceled his appearance at Fast Company’s Innovation Festival just hours before he was set to appear. Organizers told the audience Fallon’s cancelation was “in light of recent events,” according to Business Insider.
For now, “Family Feud” will air in Kimmel’s time slot on ABC, at 11:35 p.m. ET.
