<\/p>\n
More than 400 of Hollywood\u2019s biggest stars have signed an open letter in support of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel after the comedian\u2019s show was indefinitely pulled from ABC\u2019s airwaves last week.<\/p>\n
The letter, organized by the American Civil Liberties Union, states that ABC\u2019s suspension of Kimmel\u2019s show marks \u201ca dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIn an attempt to silence its critics, our government has resorted to threatening the livelihoods of journalists, talk show hosts, artists, creatives, and entertainers across the board,\u201d the open letter reads. \u201cThis runs counter to the values our nation was built upon, and our Constitution guarantees.\u201d<\/p>\n
Celebrities including Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Robert De Niro, Selena Gomez, Tom Hanks, Ben Stiller, Meryl Streep and Kerry Washington are among the hundreds who have signed the letter.<\/p>\n
ABC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.<\/p>\n
Disney announced the suspension of Kimmel\u2019s show<\/a> on Sept. 17 for remarks the host made about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk<\/a>. Kimmel specifically criticized conservatives for \u201cdesperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and with everything they can to score political points from it.\u201d<\/p>\n His words drew swift criticism from conservatives, including Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr. Carr pressured ABC and local broadcasters to \u201cto take action\u201d against Kimmel if they did not want their broadcast license suspended.<\/p>\n The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.<\/p>\n