Mark Ruffalo Slams Trump’s Censorship, Defends Free Speech After Kimmel Suspension
Actor Mark Ruffalo has sharply criticized the Trump administration after ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live!, calling it an attack on freedom of speech.
Speaking during a video call for the No Kings protest group, Ruffalo urged people to pay attention to what he sees as growing government suppression of voices in media.
“We saw Jimmy Kimmel’s show was canceled. We don’t know what the reasons are really, it’s very cloudy and murky,” Ruffalo said.
“I don’t understand what’s happening right now. My industry doesn’t understand what’s happening right now. But what they do understand is our freedom of speech is being attacked.”
He added, “This cancellation is the United States government coming and taking your voice away from you. It is the United States government that is now suppressing the freedom of speech.”
Ruffalo warned that authoritarian regimes gradually limit freedoms, leaving people living “the smallest, the most frightened, the most secretive lives.”
Ruffalo: We saw Jimmy Kimmel's show was cancelled. We don't know what the reasons are really…My industry doesn't understand what's happening right now — but what they do understand is our freedom of speech is being attacked. pic.twitter.com/5Y96CIxa7y
— Acyn (@Acyn) September 19, 2025
The controversy started after Jimmy Kimmel’s September monologue addressed MAGA supporters’ reactions to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Kimmel said they were trying “to paint the suspect as anything other than one of them” and doing “everything they can to score political points” from the tragedy.
He also mocked former President Trump’s response, joking that he was “at the fourth stage of grief: construction” in reference to Trump bragging about a new White House ballroom shortly after Kirk’s death.
Trump’s Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr criticized Kimmel’s remarks and warned the FCC might take action against ABC and Disney unless the show faced consequences. Following this, Nexstar, which owns ABC affiliates across the U.S., pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! from its stations. Nexstar is also in the middle of a $6.2 billion deal to acquire media company Tegna, which requires FCC approval.
ABC confirmed the show’s suspension, reportedly at the direction of Disney executives. The move has sparked debates over free speech, political pressure, and media independence.
Ruffalo’s comments highlight the tension between politics and media in the U.S. While some may see Kimmel’s suspension as necessary, others view it as a dangerous step against free speech. What do you think, was ABC right to suspend Kimmel, or is this government overreach? Share your thoughts in the comments.