Explainer-Were Jimmy Kimmel's free speech rights violated when ABC canceled his show?

People protest outside The Walt Disney Company’s Headquarters, a day after Walt Disney-owned ABC said it was pulling "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" off the air due to threats by the head of the top U.S. communications regulator, because of comments by Kimmel on the assassination of right wing influencer Charlie Kirk, in New York City, U.S., September 18, 2025. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

WILMINGTON, DEL. (Reuters) -Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show was suspended indefinitely by TV broadcaster ABC on Wednesday after his comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk prompted criticism from the head of the top U.S. communications regulator against the broadcaster's parent company Walt Disney.

Below is a look at the U.S. right to free speech and whether Kimmel's rights were violated.