Longtime Marvel actor Mark Ruffalo has weighed in on the recent decision by ABC to take Jimmy Kimmel off the air. In a post on Threads, Ruffalo shared a report stating that Disney’s stock dropped by 7% after ABC pre-empted “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” He expressed concern that Disney’s stock could plummet even further if the show is canceled, suggesting that Disney does not want to be responsible for disrupting American viewers.
Ruffalo’s influence within Disney’s Marvel universe could potentially sway negotiations regarding the future of Kimmel’s show. Since his debut as Bruce Banner, also known as The Hulk, in 2012’s “The Avengers,” Ruffalo has appeared in several Marvel films and TV shows.
Support for Kimmel has also come from other celebrities, including Wanda Sykes, who defended Kimmel in a video posted on Instagram. She criticized the Trump administration and emphasized the importance of freedom of speech.
Conan O’Brien also voiced his opinion on the matter, expressing concern over the suspension of Kimmel and the potential silencing of other late-night hosts for criticizing the administration. He emphasized that such actions should raise alarms for individuals across the political spectrum.
ABC’s decision to pull “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” off the air indefinitely came after Nexstar Media objected to Kimmel’s comments on the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. As one of the largest owners of TV stations in the nation, Nexstar Media’s objection led to the pre-emption of Kimmel’s show.
The support from Ruffalo, Sykes, and O’Brien highlights the importance of free speech and the potential impact of silencing voices in the media landscape. The future of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” remains uncertain, but the outpouring of support for Kimmel suggests that many believe in the importance of open dialogue and expression in the entertainment industry.
