Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty Extends Support to Jimmy Kimmel, Highlighting Irish Free Speech Tradition
DUBLIN, Ireland – Patrick Kielty, host of RTÉ’s The Late late Show, publicly extended a message of support to Jimmy Kimmel following his recent suspension from ABC, declaring “this is Ireland, so we can promise you can say whatever the f**k you want.” The statement, delivered during a broadcast from Studio 4 in Dublin, underscored a commitment to free speech and offered kimmel resources should he need them.
Kielty’s remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of late-night television hosts and the boundaries of acceptable commentary. Kimmel’s suspension follows the cancellation of Stephen Colbert‘s The Late Show just two weeks after Paramount, CBS’s parent company, reportedly paid former President Donald Trump a $16 million (€13.6 million) settlement to resolve a defamation lawsuit. The incidents have sparked debate about censorship and the influence of legal pressure on comedic expression.
“Hey Jimmy, it’s Patrick Kielty saying a big hello from studio 4 of RTÉ here in Dublin, Ireland, home to the Late late Show for over 60 years,” Kielty began.He continued, noting the show’s history of resisting attempts to be taken off the air, adding, “Tonight we’re extending the hand of free speech and friendship to let you know that you’re always welcome here. So if you ever need a studio or a desk or an audience or a band, we’re here for you.”
Kielty’s concluding statement, met with enthusiastic applause from the audience, directly addressed Kimmel, emphasizing ireland’s traditionally permissive approach to speech.The gesture positions The Late Late Show as a haven for unfiltered expression, especially in a climate where US-based late-night programs face increasing constraints.
Colbert himself described Kimmel’s suspension as a “blatant assault on freedom of speech,” while fellow late-night host Seth Meyers called Kimmel a “friend.” The incidents raise questions about the future of political satire on American television and the potential chilling effect of legal action on comedic commentary.
