New York Mayor Candidate Protests Jimmy Kimmel Suspension by Skipping Town Hall
New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has withdrawn from an upcoming WABC town hall to protest the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s show, calling the decision ‘authoritarian.’ The controversy stems from Disney’s announcement that Kimmel Live will be preempted indefinitely following comments by Charlie Kirk, a conservative commentator. Mamdani’s protest highlights tensions surrounding free speech and corporate media decisions.
The White House has responded to Mamdani’s criticism by labeling him a ‘Little Communist’ and attacking his alleged fear of defending his ‘absurd policy positions’ on live TV. Mamdani, who could become New York City’s first Muslim and first millennial mayor if elected this November, is joining a growing number of late-night hosts, celebrities, and lawmakers in criticizing the suspension of Kimmel’s show. The socialist candidate argued that the suspension represents an ‘moment of authoritarianism’ and that the administration is ‘attacking the First Amendment.’
Mamdani emphasized that his withdrawal from the WABC town hall is not an indictment of the local affiliate or its journalists, but rather a response to corporate leaders prioritizing their bottom line over upholding freedom of the press. The candidate, who has been launching an anti-Trump tour across New York City’s five boroughs, vowed to participate in another town hall featuring public questions in the weeks leading up to the November election.
ABC did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.