Olivia Rodrigo Calls Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension ‘Blatant Censorship’

Olivia Rodrigo publicly criticized ABC’s decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely, taking to social media on Saturday, September 20, 2025, to express her dismay. The 22-year-old pop star framed the move as an attack on open discourse and supported the late-night host.

“So upset over this blatant censorship and abuse of power,” Rodrigo wrote, adding, “I stand with Jimmy Kimmel and I stand for freedom of speech.”

Her post echoed statements from SAG-AFTRA, which on September 17 condemned the network’s action. The union argued that silencing voices and retaliating against public commentary threaten fundamental democratic principles and the rights of media artists to share diverse viewpoints.

Rodrigo joins other musicians who have pushed back. On September 16, country artist Margo Price posted a clip from her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, performing “Don’t Let the Bastards Get You Down.” In her caption she wrote, “If this was the last word, I’m glad it was mine,” underscoring the emotional weight surrounding the show’s suspension.

ABC’s suspension followed an episode that aired the same week as Price’s performance and came in the wake of Kimmel’s monologue addressing the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Kimmel’s remarks prompted a swift backlash from viewers and some station groups, who said the monologue crossed the line.

Among the responses, Nexstar — owner of multiple local NBC affiliates — announced it would remove Kimmel’s show from its stations. Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr also criticized the segment publicly, accusing the monologue of distorting news and warning that affiliates airing such material could face regulatory consequences.

As the debate continues, Rodrigo’s intervention has added a prominent artistic voice to the conversation about censorship, corporate responsibility and the boundaries of commentary on broadcast television.

Sources: SAG-AFTRA statement (Sept. 17, 2025); social posts and broadcast reports (Sept. 16–20, 2025). Instagram · Hollywood Reporter

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