“The View” Addresses Jimmy Kimmel Suspension — and Why the Show Didn’t Discuss It Sooner
“The View” Addresses Jimmy Kimmel Suspension — and Why the Show Didn’t Discuss It Sooner

On the September 22 episode of The View, host Whoopi Goldberg and her co-hosts finally addressed the suspension of fellow ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel — and explained why The View remained silent for a couple of episodes.
What Sparked Kimmel’s Suspension
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Jimmy Kimmel was suspended indefinitely by ABC after making controversial remarks about the so-called “MAGA gang” and their response to the September 10 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
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There was political backlash, with FCC Chair Brendan Carr calling for sanctions, and pressure mounting from conservative figures and some affiliates.
Why The View Stayed Silent at First
Whoopi Goldberg explained that The View didn’t jump in immediately for three main reasons:
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Waiting for Kimmel’s Response: They wanted to see if Kimmel himself was going to publicly address his suspension before commenting.
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Pre-recorded Episode: One of the episodes that fell during that time was pre-taped (on Friday), which meant the hosts didn’t have the chance to respond in real time.
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Wanting to “Take a Breath”: Goldberg said they needed a moment to see how things would develop — with Kimmel’s reaction, public discourse, and possibly network decisions — before discussing it on the air
What The View Said Once They Did Address It
When the show finally addressed the topic:
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Whoopi Goldberg opened emphatically:
“Did y’all really think we weren’t gonna talk about Jimmy Kimmel?”
“No one silences us.” -
The co-hosts used the moment to defend freedom of speech, questioning whether the decision to suspend Kimmel infringed on it.
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Sunny Hostin, Ana Navarro, Alyssa Farah Griffin and others emphasized that when the government or agencies like the FCC seem to pressure media outlets over content, it sets a dangerous precedent.
Why This Matters
This episode illustrates several broader tensions:
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Free Speech vs. Accountability: Disputes over whether Kimmel crossed a line, or whether the reaction (including suspension and pressure) unconstitutionally impinges on expressive freedom.
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Network & Affiliate Pressure: ABC, Disney, and FCC involvement — as well as reactions from affiliate station owners — show how media, politics, regulatory bodies, and public opinion now intersect in complex ways.
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Environment of Caution: The fact that The View waited reflects how contentious moments lead shows to be cautious, both about what they say and when. Also hints at concern over being prematurely drawn into controversy.
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