Piers Morgan has waded into the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel's show cancellation, branding the US talk show host a 'liar' and questioning why he is being treated as a 'free speech martyr'. The row erupted after ABC permanently pulled 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' following comments Kimmel made about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
In his monologue, Kimmel said: 'Many in Maga-land are working very hard to capitalise on the murder of Charlie Kirk. While our side of the aisle certainly has its crazies, it is a statistical fact that most of the lunatics in American politics today are proud members of the far left.' He then added: 'And by 'statistical fact', he means 'complete bulls***'.' The remarks prompted Nextar Communications Group, which operates over 20 ABC affiliates, to call them 'offensive and insensitive', leading to the show's removal.
While several celebrities have criticised ABC's decision, Morgan took to X to support the network. 'Jimmy Kimmel lied about Charlie Kirk's assassin being MAGA, this caused understandable outrage all over America, prompted TV station owners to say they wouldn't air him, and he's now been suspended by his employers,' he wrote. 'Why is he being heralded as some kind of free speech martyr?'
Morgan followed up with another post: 'REMINDER: Jimmy Kimmel has celebrated endless conservative stars' cancellations… with savage glee.' He also retweeted a comment arguing that the First Amendment does not protect performers from being cancelled by private sector employers, adding: 'I agree with this...'
Kimmel is said to be 'p*ssed' over the cancellation, with sources claiming he 'isn't going to take this lightly'. The show's future remains uncertain as the debate over free speech and corporate responsibility continues.
