Jason Bateman anticipates that ABC’s significant suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! will spark a wave of backlash, asserting that ‘you simply can’t stand by.’
The network declared on Wednesday night that the comedian’s late-night show has been removed ‘indefinitely’ following his remarks about the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
Since then, many across the country have been panicked about what the move means for freedom of speech.
Joining Craig Melvin on NBC’s the Today show on Thursday, Hollywood actor Bateman, 56, was asked for his response to the news.
‘To put it mildly, it’s concerning,’ expressed the renowned actor. ‘We all need to pause and consider our feelings about this sort of incident.’
‘Especially, people doing what you do.
‘I suspect there will be a collective effort to address this, though I’m neither bright enough nor influential enough to lead it. However, I believe many discussions are unfolding to take action, because permitting such things to continue unchallenged is not an option.’
Melvin, 46, then probed: ‘Stuff like?’
Jason Bateman has weighed in on Jimmy Kimmel’s talk show being suspended ‘indefinitely’
Kimmel’s show has been pulled by the network after his comments about Charlie Kirk
‘Well, Jimmy getting his show pulled for freedom of speech,’ Bateman returned.
Melvin then moved the conversation on.
Bateman is among many Hollywood stars rallying in support of Kimmel, who was suspended due to statements made in his Monday night monologue.
In the disputed episode, Kimmel stated: ‘The Maga Gang is desperately trying to portray this kid who killed Charlie Kirk as anything but one of their own, doing everything possible to gain political leverage from it.’
The late-night host also poked fun at President Donald Trump’s reaction to the shooting.
‘This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he calls a friend,’ he said. ‘This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish.’
Shortly after ABC announced Kimmel had been suspended, Trump said: ‘The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED.
Bateman warned Today show viewers that they ‘just can’t stand by and let stuff like that go on’
The Hollywood actor sat down with Craig Melvin on Thursday to share his view
Charlie Kirk was assassinated on September 10
‘Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done.’
Far-right activist Kirk was shot dead last week at Utah Valley University aged 31.
The suspected shooter Tyler Robinson, 22, appeared in court on Tuesday on multiple charges, including aggravated murder.
During the court appearance, prosecutors also noted they have filed a protective order preventing Robinson from approaching Erika Kirk, Kirk’s wife, and said they are seeking the death penalty.
The suspect was seen repeatedly looking down, as he sat at the county jail wearing a green jumpsuit.
He spoke only once, to confirm his identity and sat stoically as the judge read the seven counts he faces – including the capital murder charge that could see him executed by firing squad.
Alongside Bateman, several stars have pushed back against the decision to suspend Kimmel, with Jamie Lee Curtis, Ben Stiller, Henry Winkler and Alison Brie joining the ranks in opposition.
Ben Stiller jumped over to X to repost the news of ABC taking Kimmel off air and typed out: ‘This isn’t right.’
Singer John Legend shared a post by David Frum which read: ‘How dare you call us fascists just because our appointees threaten government retaliation against broadcast networks if their comedians don’t say what we want them to say.’
Political commentator and MSNBC host Chris Hayes tweeted: ‘This is the most straightforward attack on free speech from state actors I’ve ever seen in my life and it’s not even close.’
