The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has issued a sharp rebuke to ABC after the network announced it was pulling Jimmy Kimmel Live! from the air. The decision followed viral remarks made by host Jimmy Kimmel about the shooter linked to conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Disney-owned ABC confirmed on Wednesday night that the late-night show would be suspended “indefinitely,” a move that immediately sparked backlash. In a strongly worded joint statement, WGA West and WGA East accused the network of corporate censorship and defended Kimmel and his team of writers.

“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 Guild said.

The WGA emphasized that free speech protections are meant to cover all viewpoints, not just the popular or agreeable ones. “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.”

The statement went on to criticize political leaders as well as media executives: “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.”

Kimmel’s comments about the shooter quickly went viral, triggering polarized reactions online. Critics accused the comedian of crossing a line, while supporters defended his right to speak out. ABC has not clarified how long the suspension will last or whether Kimmel will be reinstated.

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