Molly McNearney, a television writer and producer for her husband Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show, recently expressed concerns over what she perceives as a precarious state of freedom in the United States.
Her remarks came in light of the temporary suspension of Kimmel's show in September, a decision she attributes to the fallout from a controversial monologue.
As reported by Breitbart, McNearney addressed attendees at the Women in Entertainment 2025 breakfast gala, where she lamented the perceived erosion of free speech. "Ive been asked to speak about freedom of speech and, I have to be honest, I naively assumed it was a guarantee in this country until Sept. 16, 2025," she remarked.
Her comments were in response to the suspension that followed Kimmel's claim that Tyler Robinson, accused of assassinating conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, was affiliated with the MAGA movement. This assertion, which McNearney described as a "lie," led to significant backlash and the show's temporary removal from the airwaves.
McNearney further elaborated on her concerns, drawing parallels between the suspension and other instances she views as threats to freedom. She referenced the Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade as another example, stating, "We experienced it most recently in 2022 when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, and we got another taste of it two months ago."
She also criticized what she perceives as undue influence from the President and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), claiming, "I watched a show, co-workers, friends, and the man I love be put on indefinite suspension after our thin-skinned president asked for his removal and his FCC chair publicly threatened the company we work for."
The controversy surrounding Kimmel's show underscores broader debates about free speech and media accountability. Kimmel's monologue, which accused the "MAGA gang" of attempting to distance themselves from Robinson, was met with swift action from two major carriers and led to ABC's decision to suspend the comedian. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between media figures and conservative audiences, particularly when accusations of misinformation arise.
In the aftermath, McNearney has reportedly distanced herself from family members whose views on free speech differ from her own. The situation raises questions about the balance between free expression and responsible broadcasting, as well as the role of media in shaping public discourse.
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