Marlon Wayans used the red carpet spotlight in his new horror movie “He” against the blow he saw he sees as free expression as ABC tugs Jimmy Kimmel Live! Aired in the air after hosts’ controversial remarks about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
“This is America,” Waynes told Access Hollywood. “You know what we’re seeing isn’t something I’ve seen myself as a black man before. You know, well, I just think it’s a pity, and I think for that, every American loses.”
The network’s decision comes after Jimmy Kimmel made a sharp monologue Monday night, criticizing Kirk’s political response to shooting death in Utah, Utah on Sept. 10.
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr called Kimmel’s comment “probably the most disgusting behavior” and asked for an apology. A few hours later, the Nexstar Media Group announced that it would host the show “for the foreseeable future.”
Kimmel aimed at the “Margo Gang” in his segment to politicize the tragedy and mocked Donald Trump’s reaction, saying: “This is not the way adults murder what he calls a friend. It’s the way a four-year-old mourns the goldfish.”
Waynes, 52, said the suspension sets an unsettling tone for artistic sound.
“But there is no ending,” he said. “Jimmy Kimmel and others, artists and voices. Well, we have to be brave, it’s a new beginning. You can’t stop dunking. You just let me create a new lane. That’s all.”
Kirk, 31, was shot dead while speaking in college. Prosecutors have charged Tyler Robinson, 22, with a serious murder case and are seeking death penalty. The incident sparked a nationwide debate on political speech and media accountability.
Wayans, known for comedies like “White Chicken” and “Horror Movies,” promoted “He” in Los Angeles, a psychological thriller produced by Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions.
In the film, Waynes plays a high school football coach who struggles with sinister existence.
“I love always love the black characters, a sense of humor,” Waynes said. “Just like I grew up on Freddy Krueger. I’d love to restart Freddy Krueger.”
Kimmel’s controversy sparked a strong reaction in Hollywood. Ben Stiller called the suspension “wrong” and “hacker” actress Jean Smart posted on Instagram that she was “feared by cancellation” and added: “Jimmy was talking about freedom of speech, not hate speech.”
The American Writers Association condemned the move as a violation of constitutional rights, and House Democrats accused Carl of “corruption and abuse of power” and called on him to resign.
Former President Donald Trump praised during his state visit to the UK, claiming that Kimmel was “not a talented person” and “was fired because of his poor rating.”
Although Kimmel has not issued a public statement, sources told the CNBC host that it has not terminated and discussions about its return are still ongoing.
When late-night TV experiences major changes, the reshuffle occurs. CBS recently announced that it will end its late show next year with Stephen Colbert, citing financial reasons.
