Republican Senator Rand Paul of the United States has criticized Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr’s warnings directed at Disney and local TV stations for broadcasting the show Jimmy Kimmel Live, calling the threats “completely out of line.”
Following Carr’s indication of potential investigations and regulatory measures against licensed broadcasters, ABC, a US television network owned by Disney, decided to halt airing Kimmel’s late-night talk show.
Carr’s admonition targeted stations that continued to air Kimmel after his September 15 episode, where he commented on Republicans distancing themselves from the alleged perpetrator involved in the September 10 shooting that resulted in the death of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative figure and founder of Turning Point USA.
In response to Kimmel’s remarks, numerous local ABC-affiliated TV stations announced they would no longer broadcast his program.
On NBC’s Meet the Press this past Sunday, Senator Paul stated that Carr “had no authority to intervene.” He acknowledged that individuals might face consequences for inappropriate statements but emphasized that government entities should not coerce companies into taking action.
“Government involvement is unwarranted here. The FCC overstepped its bounds, and I will oppose any government attempts to interfere with free expression,” Paul asserted.
Earlier, on Friday, Senator Ted Cruz, chair of the Senate Commerce Committee and a Republican, condemned Carr’s threat to penalize broadcasters or revoke their licenses based on program content as highly alarming.
Cruz likened the situation to a scene from the gangster film Goodfellas, saying, “It’s like a mobster walking into a bar and saying, ‘Nice establishment you have here. It’d be a shame if anything happened to it.'”
On Monday, Senator Todd Young, also a Republican, echoed Cruz’s stance, tweeting, “As Americans, safeguarding free speech is paramount.”
Additionally, Senator Dave McCormick expressed agreement with Cruz’s concerns on X, stating, “Good riddance to Jimmy Kimmel and his offensive rhetoric. Ted raises valid points about the FCC chairman’s remarks.”
Meanwhile, Democratic congressional leaders have called for Carr’s resignation, demanding an inspector general’s probe and public hearings into the matter.
Cruz described Carr’s statements as “extremely dangerous.”
As of Sunday, Carr had not responded to requests for comment from Reuters.
Former President Donald Trump, who appointed Carr, praised ABC’s decision to suspend the show and supported Carr’s position, telling Fox News’ The Sunday Briefing, “He hasn’t crossed any lines.”
Celebrities Rally Behind Kimmel
In solidarity with Kimmel, hundreds of Hollywood and Broadway personalities-including Robert De Niro, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Selena Gomez, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Tom Hanks, and Meryl Streep-have called on Americans to “stand up to protect and uphold our constitutionally guaranteed rights” following the show’s suspension.
Over 430 actors, comedians, directors, writers, and stage performers signed an open letter released Monday by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), describing the incident as “a troubling moment for free speech in our country.”
“Regardless of political beliefs or engagement, we all cherish our nation,” the letter states. “We share the conviction that no voice should be silenced by those in power-because when one voice is muted, it endangers us all.”
Among the signatories are Emmy winner Noah Wyle, Oscar nominee Florence Pugh, comedian David Cross, Tony Award winner Kelli O’Hara, and veteran actress Molly Ringwald. Other notable names include Pedro Pascal, Billy Crystal, Nathan Lane, Kerry Washington, and Kevin Bacon.
“Now is the time to defend free speech nationwide. We urge all Americans to join us and the ACLU in protecting our constitutionally enshrined freedoms,” the letter concludes.
