Jay Leno Defends Jimmy Kimmel: 'The Truth Winds Up Getting Canceled' Andrea ReiherSeptember 18, 2025 at 9:46 PM 0 Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images Comedian Jay Leno is making his stance on Jimmy Kimmel's suspension clear — and he's siding with the latenight host.
- - Jay Leno Defends Jimmy Kimmel: 'The Truth Winds Up Getting Canceled'
Andrea ReiherSeptember 18, 2025 at 9:46 PM
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Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
Comedian Jay Leno is making his stance on Jimmy Kimmel's suspension clear — and he's siding with the late-night host.
The former Tonight Show star appeared on Thursday, September 18, at journalist Chris Wallace's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony. When asked about ABC's indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! following Kimmel's pointed remarks about MAGA and Charlie Kirk's accused killer, Leno didn't hold back.
"Welcome to Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen, thank you," Leno said, according to CBS News. "Once again, free speech reigns supreme here in town."
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He continued, "I'm a huge proponent of free speech. Please. I'm on Jimmy Kimmel's side. You don't get canceled saying popular things. Usually, it's the truth that winds up getting canceled, so we'll see what happens. I think Jimmy will land on his feet, he's a talented guy. He's funny. And let's see what happens."
The comedian, who retired from The Tonight Show in 2014 and has often described his brand of humor as apolitical, added that comedy is supposed to push boundaries.
"It's a comedian talking. If they don't like it, don't watch it. I enjoy Jimmy. I like all the guys. I think they're really talented. I like jokes, that's why I watch them," he said.
Leno also noted the cost of defending free expression: "Whatever the price is, you pay it because that's what free speech is about."
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A History of Avoiding Politics
Leno's defense of Kimmel comes despite his own cautious stance on political material. In a January 2024 interview with Piers Morgan, Leno explained why he steered away from partisan comedy.
"I just stopped doing politics in my act altogether," he said at the time. "When I did The Tonight Show, the idea was you made fun of both sides equally…they'd both be angry. And I'd go, 'Oh, that's good.' You know, they both think you're supporting the other guy. Now, you've gotta take a side, and people are angry if you don't."
When asked about Donald Trump, Leno admitted, "Well, I'm not a fan. … I just don't think morally — I think we could do a little bit better. You know all these indictments, whatever it might be."
Now, as Kimmel faces industry backlash, Leno is firmly voicing support for a fellow late-night comic.
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This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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