400 Hollywood Stars Back Jimmy Kimmel: ACLU Letter Gains Massive Celebrity Support!

Today, the American Civil Liberties Union published an open letter signed by a veritable who’s who of Hollywood, expressing concern over the recent removal of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from ABC by Disney. The letter cleverly underscores the importance of free speech, crucial for the entertainment industry’s operation, while hinting at broader implications beyond their circle.

High-profile figures such as Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Lily Wachowski, Regina King, and Ben Stiller, along with pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo, are among the 400 signatories. They collectively suggest a gentle yet firm disapproval of the actions taken against Kimmel, although they stop short of calling for a boycott of Disney products or suggesting that subscribers cancel their Disney+ memberships. Notably, “She-Hulk” actress Tatiana Maslany has taken a bolder stance on her social platforms, advocating for such measures.

Contrasting with the ACLU’s somewhat reserved approach, Emmy-award winning “Andor” writer Dan Gilroy penned a more direct piece in Deadline. He acknowledged the difficult position Disney found itself in due to pressures from the Trump administration, calling it a “tough decision.” Gilroy’s letter offers a stark reminder of the challenges and choices facing those in the creative industries today.

Below is the full text of the ACLU’s letter, also available on their website:

“We the people must never tolerate government threats to our freedom of speech. Efforts by leaders to coerce artists, journalists, and businesses into silence through retaliation strike at the core of our liberties as a free nation.

Last week’s incident, where Jimmy Kimmel was taken off air following governmental threats of retaliation against a private company, marks a troubling moment for our country’s commitment to free speech. This attempt to stifle dissent by threatening the livelihoods of those in media and the arts is contrary to the very principles our nation was founded on and which our Constitution upholds.

This issue transcends our industry. It affects teachers, government workers, researchers, and students — virtually anyone whose job or education makes them a target for suppression. Regardless of political affiliation, we all cherish our country and believe no one should be silenced by those in power. If it can happen to one of us, it can happen to all of us.

We are at a pivotal moment for defending free speech in our nation. We urge all Americans to stand with us and the ACLU in safeguarding our constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.”

The letter concludes with a long list of signatories, spanning a wide range of professions within the entertainment industry, highlighting the widespread concern and solidarity among artists over this issue.