SAG-AFTRA, WGA Blast Decision To Suspend Jimmy Kimmel: A ‘Type of Retaliation That Endangers Everyone’s Freedom’

“Our society depends on freedom of expression. Suppression of free speech and retaliation for speaking out on significant issues of public concern run counter to the fundamental rights we all rely on.”

By Jack Dunn, Variety

The Writers Guild of America West and the Screen Actors Guild have released statements in support of Jimmy Kimmel after ABC pulled all future episodes of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from its schedule.

“The right to speak our minds and to disagree with each other – to disturb, even – is at the very heart of what it means to be a free people. It is not to be denied. Not by violence, not by the abuse of governmental power, nor by acts of corporate cowardice,” the WGA wrote late Wednesday. “As a Guild, we stand united in opposition to anyone who uses their power and influence to silence the voices of writers, or anyone who speaks in dissent. If free speech applied only to ideas we like, we needn’t have bothered to write it into the Constitution. What we have signed on to – painful as it may be at times – is the freeing agreement to disagree.”

It concluded, “Shame on those in government who forget this founding truth. As for our employers, our words have made you rich. Silencing us impoverishes the whole world. The WGA stands with Jimmy Kimmel and his writers.”

In its own statement, SAG-AFTRA declared that it “condemns the suspension of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’”

“Our society depends on freedom of expression. Suppression of free speech and retaliation for speaking out on significant issues of public concern run counter to the fundamental rights we all rely on,” the Guild added. “Democracy thrives when diverse points of view are expressed. The decision to suspend airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! is the type of suppression and retaliation that endangers everyone’s freedoms. SAG-AFTRA stands with all media artists and defends their right to express their diverse points of view, and everyone’s right to hear them.”