Molly McNearney, the executive producer and co-producer of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and wife of the host, delivered a pointed critique of former President Donald Trump during a high-profile industry event. Her remarks centered on what she described as a direct attack on freedom of speech following the temporary suspension of her husband's late-night show.
A Fragile Time for Freedom of Speech
Speaking at The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment breakfast in Beverly Hills, California, on Wednesday, McNearney reflected on the fundamental American principle she once took for granted. She recounted the tense events of September, when "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" was pulled off the air on September 17 after comments regarding far-right podcaster Charlie Kirk's alleged killer.
McNearney did not mince words in assigning blame. She stated she watched the show, its staff, and her husband be placed on "indefinite suspension" after what she called our "thin-skinned president" asked for its removal. She further accused the former president's appointed Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair of publicly threatening the network, ABC.
"It is a fragile time for freedom," McNearney told the audience, framing the incident as a warning sign for democratic values.
The Foundation of a Great Country
McNearney broadened her message, tying the personal ordeal to a larger historical struggle. She called freedom of speech "the foundation on which this great country was built," a right fought for by figures from James Madison to Frederick Douglass and Alice Paul.
She argued that freedoms are most at risk during times of fear and distraction, emotions she admitted to feeling deeply. "Fear is contagious, but the good news is, so is bravery," she added, calling for resilience in the face of intimidation.
Holding Power to Account Without Flinching
The executive producer praised her husband, his staff, and fellow late-night hosts for consistently holding those in power accountable. She revealed that her "husband and her workplace" had been threatened by the president "multiple times" and targeted by a propaganda machine that deliberately misinterprets their words.
Despite the pressure, McNearney expressed gratitude. "I'm one of the lucky ones. We got knocked down, and with all of you, you helped us get back up," she said. Following significant public backlash, Jimmy Kimmel returned to the air on September 23, just days after the controversial suspension began.
McNearney concluded with a rallying cry: "We must not be afraid to speak up and speak out to protect this country and all the people in it." Her speech highlighted the ongoing tensions between media, political power, and the First Amendment in a polarized climate.
