In an unprecedented move, more than 400 Hollywood stars – including legendary names such as Gal Gadot, Tom Hanks, Jennifer Aniston, Meryl Streep, Jamie Lee Curtis, Robert De Niro and Bryan Cranston – have signed a public letter drafted by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to strongly protest the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel following his controversial political comments.

The letter, released just days after the incident, stressed: “We the people must never accept the use of government power to threaten free speech, especially when that threat is intended to stifle dissent.”

Hollywood unites like never before

Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension has sparked outrage among the entertainment industry. Kimmel has long been considered one of the most outspoken hosts, regularly poking fun at politics and expressing his personal opinions on national television. However, ABC’s decision to suspend the show – reportedly under pressure from the government – ​​has raised concerns that it is not simply an internal matter for the network, but also a dangerous manifestation of interference in freedom of expression.

Gal Gadot shared on social media: “If someone like Jimmy Kimmel can be silenced for speaking out, then any of us could be victims tomorrow. Freedom of speech is not a gift to be exchanged, it is a fundamental right.”

Meanwhile, Tom Hanks asserted that he has “never seen such an anxious atmosphere” in the entertainment industry, where speaking out can threaten careers overnight.

Freedom of speech or limits on power?

Many experts believe that this case could become a “turning point” in the long-standing debate about the boundary between free speech and political power. The ACLU has long been a pioneer in protecting the constitutional rights of American citizens, especially the right to freedom of expression.

In the letter, the organization and the stars emphasized: “We cannot allow a democratic society to become a place where voices are controlled by fear and pressure from power. Forced silence is the enemy of freedom.”

Wave of public reaction

On social networks, the hashtags #StandWithKimmel and #FreeSpeechNow quickly became global trends. Millions of people expressed support for Jimmy Kimmel and opposed his suspension. Many opinions said that Hollywood, often criticized as divisive, this time showed a rare strength of unity.

Jennifer Aniston wrote on Instagram: “We can disagree, we can argue, but we cannot let a voice be silenced just because it upsets someone. That is not freedom.”

Meryl Streep, who is not usually outspoken on political issues, could not hide her anger: “Freedom of speech is the foundation of art. Without it, cinema and theater are just propaganda tools.”

A message to the whole of America

More than 400 signatures are not just a number, but a strong warning to both the government and the public: Hollywood will not sit idly by when basic rights are threatened.

The question is: if a celebrity like Jimmy Kimmel is not protected from the pressure of power, what chance does an ordinary citizen have to make his voice heard?

The debate certainly does not end here. But clearly, this case has become a major test for American democracy – where freedom of speech is considered the “soul” of the Constitution. And this time, Hollywood has chosen to stand on the front line to protect that right, despite all the risks.