Controversy Grows Over Suspension of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'
Hollywood Stars Criticize Crackdown on 'Freedom of Expression'
"I love America, but the country I see now is not the America I once knew."
Hollywood actor Angelina Jolie has expressed concern that freedom of expression is being suppressed in the United States. Several Hollywood stars have also voiced criticism, claiming that the Donald Trump administration is cracking down on freedom of expression in the country.
According to the Guardian, on September 21 (local time) at the San Sebastian International Film Festival in Spain, Jolie was asked by a reporter, "As an artist and an American, what are you most afraid of?" She responded, "That is a very difficult question," and made the above remarks.
She emphasized, "I have always lived internationally, and so have my family, friends, and my life. I believe that restricting anyone's personal expression and freedom, in any form and anywhere, is extremely dangerous." She added, "These days are so serious that I have to be careful not to say anything casually," and continued, "The era we live in together is very, very grave."
Although Jolie did not mention any specific incident, her remarks are being interpreted in connection with the recent suspension of the late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on the American network ABC, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel.
Previously, on the September 15 broadcast, Jimmy Kimmel criticized some Trump supporters for using the far-right figure Charlie Kirk's shooting incident as a political tool. In response, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Brendan Carr publicly warned that ABC's broadcast license could be revoked, and ABC later announced that the program would be suspended indefinitely.
'Hulk' Ruffalo and Other Hollywood Stars Speak Out in Support of 'Freedom of Expression'
This measure triggered immediate backlash. Several Hollywood stars who have appeared in Disney films, which owns ABC, have publicly voiced their criticism.
Mark Ruffalo, who played the Hulk in Marvel films, wrote on social media, "If Disney permanently cancels the program, its stock price will drop even further," and added, "I don't want Disney to become the one who ruins America." In a promotional video for the anti-Trump protest "No Kings" released on September 21, he also asserted, "It is the U.S. government that is suppressing freedom of expression right now," warning of the dangers of authoritarian regimes.
Pedro Pascal, who appeared in the Marvel film "Fantastic Four," posted a photo with Kimmel on Instagram, appealing, "Let's protect freedom of expression and democracy." Singer and actor Olivia Rodrigo stated, "I am outraged by blatant censorship and abuse of power." Tatiana Maslany, who played She-Hulk in Marvel films, Damon Lindelof, creator of the drama "Lost," and other figures in the film and television industry also expressed their support for Kimmel through social media and opinion pieces.
In addition, not only current talk show hosts such as Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon, but also former hosts including Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien, and David Letterman have expressed solidarity.
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