Kerry Washington is joining the group of A-list stars showing support for Jimmy Kimmel after his talk show was indefinitely put on hold by ABC following backlash over his Charlie Kirk comments.
On Instagram Thursday, Sept. 18, the Scandal actress posted a photo of a past Jimmy Kimmel Live! appearance alongside a statement of support.
“❤️ @jimmykimmel, you’ve supported me, my work, and my voice for years, and I’m endlessly grateful for your friendship, partnership, the laughter, and encouragement. Now it’s my turn to stand with and for you,” Washington wrote. “Your immense kindness, integrity and generosity inspire everyone around you. What’s happening to you, and across late night is not just unfair, it’s unjust.”
The actress also acknowledged the abrupt cancelation of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert in her post.
“Silencing voices like yours and @stephenathome goes far beyond just entertainment; it threatens freedom of speech, an independent press, and ultimately, our democracy,” she continued. “You are not alone. I stand with you, my friend. Always. ❤️”
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In the comment section, fans applauded Washington to coming to the talk show host’s defense.
“We need Olivia Pope more than ever,” wrote one fan, referencing Washington’s Scandal character. “Kerry called Jimmy and said, ‘It’s handled’🔥.” said another.
“I’m so glad everyone is standing with him ❤️ freedom of speech is of imperative importance,” added a third.
RELATED: Kristin Chenoweth Responds to Backlash Over Viral Charlie Kirk Comments: ‘Hurt Me So Badly’
Scandal creator Shonda Rhimes also took to Instagram to show support, posting a photo of Kimmel, Washington, and herself.
In the caption, Rhimes shared a quote from activist and author Frederick Douglass, “No right was deemed by the fathers of the government more sacred than the right of speech. It was in their eyes, as in the eyes of all thoughtful men, the great moral renovator of society and government.”
Jimmy Kimmel Live! was pulled by ABC indefinitely on Wednesday, Sept. 17 after Nexstar, one of the network’s largest affiliate groups, pulled the show from broadcast due to Kimmel’s comments about Kirk.
Sinclair Broadcast Group also pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! from its ABC stations due to the comments, calling on the comedian to make a donation to Kirk’s family and his non-profit organization Turning Point USA.
The comments in question were made during Kimmel’s monologue on the Monday, Sept. 15 episode.
“We had some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and with everything they can to score political points from it.” Kimmel said.
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