Talk Show Hosts Previously Celebrated Trump Twitter Ban as Kimmel Suspension Sparks Free Speech Debate
LOS ANGELES – Years before Jimmy Kimmel’s recent suspension from ABC over controversial remarks about Donald Trump ignited a debate over free speech and late-night comedy, a number of prominent talk show hosts publicly celebrated Trump’s ban from Twitter following the January 6th Capitol riot. The resurfaced comments highlight a stark contrast in attitudes towards platforming the former president, raising questions about the evolving standards for political commentary in entertainment.
The renewed focus on past statements comes as Kimmel faces backlash and protests after reading a monologue perceived by some as insensitive to Trump supporters. ABC has temporarily suspended Kimmel, prompting accusations of censorship and fueling a broader discussion about the boundaries of comedic expression. This situation echoes previous calls for accountability from both sides of the political spectrum regarding content shared on major platforms, and the differing reactions to Trump’s own use - and subsequent removal – from social media.
In February 2021, shortly after Twitter permanently suspended Trump’s account, James Corden, host of “The Late Late Show,” explicitly praised the decision.”I tell you what, banning Trump was like one of the few almost good things Twitter has done in like a decade,” Corden said. “Donald Trump is a scam account, it’s all a scam.”
Other late-night hosts also expressed relief at Trump’s removal from the platform. Stephen Colbert, on “The Late Show,” mocked Trump’s inability to tweet, while Trevor Noah, then host of “The Daily Show,” described the ban as a necessary step to prevent further incitement of violence. These reactions occurred amidst widespread condemnation of Trump’s actions leading up to and during the January 6th insurrection.
The current controversy surrounding Kimmel underscores the complexities of navigating political discourse in the entertainment industry. While many defended the earlier Twitter ban as a measure to protect public safety, critics now argue that silencing a political figure – or, in Kimmel’s case, expressing a critical opinion about one – sets a perilous precedent. The debate centers on whether private companies and networks have the right to regulate speech, and where the line should be drawn between protected expression and harmful rhetoric.
Alexander hall is an associate editor for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to Alexander.hall@fox.com.
