Ex-Disney Star Olivia Rodrigo Blasts ABC Over Jimmy Kimmel Suspension

Pop famous person and former Disney star Olivia Rodrigo is talking out in protection of Jimmy Kimmel after ABC abruptly suspended his long-running late-night present, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” The 22-year-old Grammy-winning singer took to Instagram over the weekend to lash out on the community, calling the transfer a stunning act of “blatant censorship” and an “abuse of energy.” Olivia Rodrigo’s fiery feedback come as a wave of Hollywood stars rally behind Jimmy Kimmel, who was taken off the air following his controversial remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

On Saturday, the previous Disney+ actress reposted a press release from SAG-AFTRA and added her personal sharp phrases of support for Kimmel. “So upset over this blatant censorship and abuse of energy,” Rodrigo wrote on her Instagram Tales. “I stand with Jimmy Kimmel and I stand for freedom of speech.”

Her submit rapidly aligned her with a rising record of A-listers, unions, and leisure leaders who’ve condemned the network’s move. SAG-AFTRA’s authentic assertion emphasised that democracy “thrives when various factors of view are expressed” and warned towards the suppression of free speech.

Rodrigo didn’t cease there. She later reposted David Letterman’s fiery remarks evaluating the suspension to an act of authoritarianism. The retired host blasted the choice throughout a dwell interview with The Atlantic, saying, “You may’t go round firing any person since you’re fearful or making an attempt to suck as much as an authoritarian, a legal, administration within the Oval Workplace. That’s simply not how this works.”

The backlash comes as experiences swirl that Kimmel is getting ready for his sensational return to tv after being suspended “indefinitely” for feedback about Kirk’s assassination.

Whereas Rodrigo is greatest recognized for chart-topping hits like “Drivers License” and “Vampire,” she’s additionally constructed a popularity for talking out on political points. In 2021, she partnered with the White Home to encourage younger folks to get the COVID-19 vaccine. In 2024, she publicly endorsed Kamala Harris through the presidential election. Now in 2025, she’s throwing her weight behind Kimmel and free speech.

Rodrigo’s roots in Hollywood hint again to her breakout position in “Excessive Faculty Musical: The Musical: The Collection” on Disney+, earlier than launching her solo profession and later starring in her Disney+ documentary “Driving Dwelling 2 U,” which chronicled the making of her debut album “Bitter.”

Rodrigo’s feedback add to a wave of criticism hammering ABC for bowing to political stress. For her, the difficulty goes past one speak present host, because it’s about defending elementary rights. “Our society relies on freedom of expression,” she wrote, echoing SAG-AFTRA’s warning.

However it’s not simply politics the singer speaks out about. Rodrigo has additionally by no means shied away from utilizing her platform to advocate for women’s rights and reproductive freedom. The “GUTS” singer has been outspoken about abortion access and birth rights, particularly following the Supreme Courtroom’s 2022 choice to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Throughout her Glastonbury Competition set in 2022, Rodrigo made headlines when she introduced Lily Allen on stage to carry out “F-ck You” as a direct message to the justices who voted to strip federal abortion protections. She later doubled down in interviews, stressing that younger ladies ought to have the ability to make their very own decisions about their our bodies with out authorities interference.

Rodrigo additionally partnered with the Missouri Abortion Fund to distribute free condoms and emergency contraception as a part of her push for reproductive rights. The transfer sparked controversy, although, and the backlash in the end led abortion rights teams to halt providing these sources at her reveals.