Jimmy Fallon has abruptly canceled a planned public appearance amid backlash surrounding fellow late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.
On Thursday (September 18), the Tonight Show star was scheduled to speak at Fast Company’s Innovation Festival in New York City to promote his upcoming NBC reality series, On Brand, and have a panel discussion with Fast Company editor Jeff Beer.
But just hours before the event, organizers informed attendees that the 51-year-old would no longer participate. “In light of recent events, Jimmy couldn't be here,” a spokesperson for Fast Company told Business Insider.
In his place, Bozoma Saint John - the former chief marketing officer of Netflix - appeared on the panel. She mentors contestants on On Brand, which follows a marketing firm launched by Fallon and its team of creatives.
What did Jimmy Kimmel say?
The sudden cancellation follows a week of late-night turmoil after Jimmy Kimmel Live was taken off air in response to remarks he made about the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
During his September 15 monologue, the 57-year-old addressed the arrest of Tyler Robinson, 22, who is accused of fatally shooting Kirk during a campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10.
He said: “The MAGA Gang [is] desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”
Kimmel doubled down two days later, adding: “Many in MAGA-land are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk.”
Industry backlash over suspension
The suspension sparked swift backlash from Hollywood unions and free speech advocates.
The Writers Guild of America West and East issued a joint statement condemning the decision: “The right to speak our minds and to disagree with each other – to disturb, even – is at the very heart of what it means to be a free people. It is not to be denied. Not by violence, not by the abuse of governmental power, nor by acts of corporate cowardice.
“As a Guild, we stand united in opposition to anyone who uses their power and influence to silence the voices of writers, or anyone who speaks in dissent.
“If free speech applied only to ideas we like, we needn't have bothered to write it into the Constitution. What we have signed on to - painful as it may be at times - is the freeing agreement to disagree.
“Shame on those in government who forget this founding truth. As for our employers, our words have made you rich. Silencing us impoverishes the whole world," they said. “The WGA stands with Jimmy Kimmel and his writers."
SAG-AFTRA also weighed in, saying: “SAG-AFTRA condemns the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! … Our society depends on freedom of expression.
"Suppression of free speech and retaliation for speaking out on significant issues of public concern run counter to the fundamental rights we all rely on," they concluded.
Though Kimmel has not been fired, sources say ABC executives are set to meet with him ahead of any potential return, contingent on meeting undisclosed conditions.
Trump praises the cancellation
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump celebrated the show’s removal in a post on Truth Social: “Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED.”
He added: “Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that’s possible.”
Trump also took aim at NBC’s remaining late-night hosts: “That leaves Jimmy [Fallon] and Seth [Meyers], two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!!”
Neither Fallon nor NBC has publicly addressed his sudden withdrawal from the Fast Company event.