Joe Rogan weighed in on Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension, warning against government interference in comedy. He said politicians should never dictate what comedians say on stage.
“I definitely don’t think that the government should be involved ever in dictating what a comedian can or cannot say in a monologue,” Rogan said on his podcast.
Rogan, who backed Trump in 2024, blasted conservatives supporting the suspension. He said they were “crazy” for cheering censorship that could one day target them.
“The problem is the companies, if they are being pressured by the government – so if that’s real – and if people on the right are like ‘yeah, go get ’em,’ oh my God, you’re crazy. You’re crazy for supporting this because this will be used on you,” he said.
Disney’s ABC pulled Kimmel off the air last week over remarks about Charlie Kirk’s suspected killer. His return Tuesday came with an emotional monologue, where he insisted he never meant to “make light” of Kirk’s death or “blame any specific group.”
The uproar has highlighted how polarized reactions to Kirk’s murder have become. Campaigns have called for people to be fired if their comments were seen as disrespectful.
It also reflects Trump’s broader battle with media companies. He recently lost a $15 billion defamation case against the New York Times after a federal judge tossed the suit for failing to meet civil filing standards.