Jennifer Aniston, 400 Celebs Sign Open Letter Supporting Jimmy Kimmel

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Jennifer Aniston will always be there for Jimmy Kimmel. 

Just days after ABC paused *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* due to host Jimmy Kimmel’s remarks about the passing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, numerous Hollywood stars-including a former cast member of *Friends*-joined the American Civil Liberties Union in signing an open letter criticizing ABC’s decision.

According to a letter published on the ACLU website on September 22nd, Jimmy Kimmel’s show was temporarily stopped after the government warned a private company about potential consequences, which the ACLU described as a troubling event for free speech.

As a firm believer in free expression, I was deeply concerned to learn the ACLU has documented attempts to silence artists, journalists, and businesses through threats of punishment. It’s truly chilling, and honestly, it feels like a direct attack on the very foundations of our freedom. It’s not just about protecting speech; it’s about safeguarding the ability to think, create, and question without fear.

No matter our political views or how involved we are in politics, we all care about our country. We also agree that everyone deserves to be heard, and that when one person’s voice is suppressed, it affects us all.

Jennifer Aniston was joined by many other stars in signing the letter, including Selena Gomez, Jane Fonda, Tom Hanks, Olivia Rodrigo, Meryl Streep, Pedro Pascal, Rosie O’Donnell, and Jason Bateman. Bateman, like Aniston, is a close friend of Jimmy Kimmel.

Jennifer Aniston, Jimmy Kimmel, and Jason Bateman – along with their wives, Molly McNearney and Amanda Anka – have frequently vacationed together over the years.

In 2023, while celebrating the 20th anniversary of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*, Aniston made sure to publicly acknowledge her close friend Jimmy Kimmel.

Honestly, it really touched me when one viewer shared that she wished our show could go on for another 20 years! She said she didn’t want us to ever leave her TV because we bring her – and so many others – genuine happiness. It’s moments like that that remind me why we do what we do, and it’s incredibly humbling to know we can brighten people’s days.

Jimmy Kimmel hasn’t spoken publicly about his suspension from his show. ABC confirmed to NBC News on September 17th that *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* would be off the air for an indefinite period. This came after Kimmel made comments during his monologue on September 15th about Tyler Robinson, the suspected killer of Kirk, during the show.

Jimmy Kimmel said that supporters of Donald Trump, often called the ‘MAGA gang,’ are working hard to distance themselves from the person who attacked Charlie Kirk, and are attempting to use the situation to their political advantage.

Following a recent shooting, Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr strongly criticized a monologue aired by ABC, calling it deeply inappropriate. In a September 17th interview, he stated he would consider taking action against both ABC and its parent company, Disney, including potentially revoking the licenses of ABC’s local stations.

Nexstar Media Group, a company that owns over 200 TV stations across the United States, announced that its ABC stations would no longer broadcast *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* starting with the September 17th episode, and this suspension will last for the foreseeable future.

For more reactions to Kirk’s death, keep reading. 

On September 10, 2025, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University. The President later confirmed Kirk’s death at age 31 and shared a touching tribute on Truth Social.

Trump announced the death of Charlie Kirk, calling him ‘great’ and ‘legendary.’ He stated that Kirk uniquely understood and connected with young people in America, and was universally loved, particularly by Trump himself.

The actress from *Wicked* expressed her shock and sadness on Instagram, calling the event “a sad, senseless, and disgusting act.” She then shared her prayers for the Kirk family and for the country as a whole.

The TV personality discussed the news of Kirk’s passing on the September 10th episode of his show, *The Real Story*.

Dr. Phil announced the passing of Charlie Kirk, describing him as a husband, father, friend, and American. He expressed hope that Kirk’s legacy, enthusiasm, and values would continue, and offered condolences to his family.

 

The comedian expressed his sympathy to the wife, Erika Frantzve Kirk, and two children of the right-wing influencer, sharing a message on Instagram that read, “He was a good, strange Christian man. Dear God please comfort his family.”

The former president, speaking for himself and Michelle Obama, expressed his deepest sympathy to Kirk’s family and friends.

The reason behind the shooting of Charlie Kirk is still unknown, but this act of violence is unacceptable in a democratic society, she posted on X. Michelle and I are keeping Charlie’s family in our thoughts, particularly his wife, Erika, and their two children, tonight.

The former vice president said she and her husband, Doug Emhoff, were very upset to learn about the death of Kirk, who helped start the conservative organization Turning Point USA.

Harris expressed support for Charlie Kirk and his family, writing on X, “Doug and I are praying for them.” She firmly stated that political violence is unacceptable in the United States and called for unity to prevent further acts of violence.

The political commentator became emotional as she recalled her experiences working with Kirk at Turning Point USA and over the years since.

I wouldn’t wish what happened to anyone, especially not someone as kind as Charlie,” she said in a YouTube video on September 11th. “He was a devoted husband and father, and he deeply loved his country. He deserved a much better fate.

Owens shared that she will honor Charlie’s legacy, explaining that her own career wouldn’t exist without him, as they both entered politics around the same time. She concluded by saying she’s deeply saddened by his passing.

Following a recent family tragedy, Guardians of the Galaxy star Chris Pratt shared his support for Charlie Kirk on X (formerly Twitter). Pratt expressed his prayers for Kirk, his wife, and their children, and asked for divine guidance and support for the nation.

Donald Trump Jr., age 47 and son of the former president and the late Ivana Trump, shared a heartfelt and lengthy tribute detailing his strong relationship with a person named Kirk.

I considered Charlie more than a friend-he was like a brother to me, and to so many others worldwide,” he shared on X. “He truly inspired people.

Trump Jr. mourned the loss of a remarkable leader and a courageous man of strong character and convictions, calling his death ‘too rare’ a loss. He expressed disbelief and deep sorrow that such a life could be taken by a violent and evil act, describing it as both horrible and heartbreaking.

 

After hearing about Kirk’s death, the Terminator actor sent his condolences and prayers to the family.

Schwarzenegger called the event a terrible tragedy and urged people to remember their compassion during this difficult time.

Following Kirk’s passing, the former View host made it clear she condemned the act of violence.

She posted a photo of Kirk speaking before the incident, along with a message on Instagram saying, “Absolutely not-don’t resort to violence-this is completely unacceptable.”

Bill Clinton said he was both saddened and angered to learn about Charlie’s death.

In a post on X, Hillary Clinton expressed hope that everyone will reflect on recent events and commit to having strong, but respectful, conversations. She and Bill Clinton are also sending their thoughts and prayers to Erika, her two children, and the rest of her family.

The reality TV star said she felt numb after hearing about the death of her close friend, Kirk.

It’s so hard to even type this, but I need to share how much Charlie Kirk meant to me. He truly changed my life – he welcomed me into the Turning Point family just this past year, and I was so excited to be traveling with him to campuses all October. Now, I’m just heartbroken and completely devastated. It feels impossible to process.

Chrisley added, “Rest easy, my friend. Heaven has gained a warrior.”

I was deeply moved by the First Lady’s message after hearing about Kirk’s tragic death. She expressed the unimaginable pain his children must be feeling, and it really hit me when she wrote about how they’ll grow up with stories about their dad instead of actual memories, looking at photos instead of hearing his laughter, and feeling his absence where his voice should be. It was a heartbreakingly beautiful way to describe such a devastating loss.

I was so saddened to see news about Charlie Kirk. My husband shared that he was a dear friend and a truly special person. He was also a key player in helping President Trump’s 2016 campaign get off the ground and really build the energy behind the MAGA movement – he’ll be deeply missed.

He described Charlie as a true embodiment of the MAGA movement – someone who was strong in his convictions, but also kind, inquisitive, and respectful. He possessed remarkable bravery, charm, and integrity. It’s a great loss for the world, and he passed away far too soon.

 

 
 

Oh my gosh, Tim just broke my heart, but he’s being so strong! He said he and Demi-Leigh are praying for his family, and honestly, for *everyone* who cared about him. It’s just… it’s so him to think of others even now. I’m just sending all my love and prayers right along with theirs. It’s devastating.

He expressed his shock and sadness upon hearing of Charlie Kirk’s death. He shared that Kirk was, first and foremost, a man of faith, a loving husband, and a dedicated father, known for his passion, bravery, and commitment to leaving a lasting legacy.

 
 
 

The actor spoke out on his connection to Kirk.

He shared on social media that he enjoyed having dinner with Charlie Kirk, but was concerned about his well-being. He pointed out that while some on the left call for open discussions, Kirk actively engaged in them – even visiting venues known for leaning left, with the hope that reason and facts would win out.

Like other leaders, the 82-year-old stated firmly that violence has no place in the country.

President Biden posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, calling for an end to something unspecified, and shared that he and his wife, Jill Biden, are sending their prayers to Charlie Kirk’s family and friends.

After the tragedy, the former POTUS spoke out against the violent attack. 

In a statement, Bush explained that the incident occurred on a college campus – a place where the free exchange of different viewpoints should be considered essential. He emphasized the need to eliminate violence and harsh language from public discourse, stating that people with different political beliefs aren’t opponents, but fellow Americans.

He added, “May God bless Charlie Kirk and his family, and may God guide America toward civility.”

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2025-09-22 20:18