She’s played a sharp-tongued stand-up comic on TV — but this time, Jean Smart’s words aren’t scripted.
The Emmy-winning actress is speaking out following the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, who came under fire this week for remarks about Charlie Kirk. Like many in Hollywood, Smart is sounding the alarm over what she sees as a dangerous trend.
In an Instagram post, the Hacks star voiced concern that free speech is being targeted. “I am horrified at the cancellation of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live.’ What Jimmy said was FREE speech, not hate speech,” Smart wrote. “People seem to only want to protect free speech when it suits THEIR agenda.”
Jimmy Kimmel, who has hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live!on ABC since 2003, sparked backlash following comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed earlier this month. During Monday’s broadcast, Kimmel addressed online reactions to the shooting.
“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.”
However, as more information emerged about the alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson, Utah authorities suggested that early narratives might not reflect the full story. The controversy surrounding Kimmel’s comments sparked political and public scrutiny, leading ABC affiliates like Nexstar and Sinclair Broadcasting to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! from their stations indefinitely.
While the show hasn't officially been canceled, ABC and Disney have yet to confirm its future. In the meantime, Sinclair Broadcasting plans to air a Charlie Kirk tribute special across its 200+ owned and partner stations during Kimmel’s usual Friday night timeslot.
Jean Smart Isn’t Holding Back
Jean Smart has made a name for herself playing strong, memorable women. One of her most celebrated roles is Deborah Vance, a stand-up comedian on Hacks — a performance that earned her multiple Emmy Awards.
After spending years portraying a comic dealing with fame and fallout, Smart brings a unique point of view to the conversation around Kimmel’s suspension.
In her statement, she acknowledged the seriousness of the tragedy while highlighting the importance of open dialogue. “Though I didn’t agree at ALL with Charlie Kirk; his shooting death sickened me; and should have sickened any decent human being,” Smart added. “What is happening to our country?”
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A post shared by Jean Smart (@realjeansmart)
Which Stars Are Supporting Jimmy Kimmel?
Smart isn’t the only public figure voicing concerns. A growing number of celebrities have rallied around Kimmel, including comedians Mike Birbiglia, Wanda Sykes, Ben Stiller, Marc Maron and Patton Oswalt — with many warning this could set a troubling precedent for free speech.
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