WASHINGTON — Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said that Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr’s comments threatening to take action against Disney’s ABC last week were “absolutely inappropriate.”
Asked whether Carr’s comments, threatening to revoke broadcasting licenses from ABC after late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel made remarks about Republicans’ response to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, were appropriate, Paul said no.
“Brendan Carr’s got no business weighing in on this, but people have to also realize that despicable comments, you have the right to say them, but you don’t have the right to employment,” Paul added.
Ahead of ABC pulling “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” indefinitely from the airwaves last week, Carr pushed for the company to take action regarding a comment from Kimmel about Kirk.
“I mean, look, we can do this the easy way or the hard way,” Carr said last week. “These companies can find ways to change conduct and take action, frankly, on Kimmel, or you know, there’s going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.”
Kimmel’s removal sparked outrage from Democrats and free speech advocates, who argued that the comedian was being unfairly punished for speech that the administration disliked.
The aftermath of Kirk’s killing has sparked a wider debate over the limits of free speech and when companies can or should take action against employees.
Dozens of school staffers have been fired or suspended for comments related to Kirk. Conservatives have celebrated firings like these as consequences, while free speech advocates argued that the comments are protected speech.
Kirk’s memorial service is set to take place on Sunday in Arizona. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other Trump administration officials plan to attend.