David Letterman has spoken out after Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show was pulled from the air. Kimmel faced backlash for discussing Charlie Kirk’s assassination and mocking Donald Trump’s reaction to the tragedy.

Trump celebrated the suspension on Truth Social, calling Kimmel “ratings-challenged” and praising ABC for “finally” taking action. But other TV hosts, including Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart, defended Kimmel.

Letterman revealed he heard directly from Kimmel. “He was nice enough to text me this morning,” Letterman said at the Atlantic Festival. “He’s sitting up in bed taking nourishment. He’s gonna be fine.” Letterman called the suspension “ridiculous” and warned against “sucking up to an authoritarian criminal administration.”

Jimmy Fallon also weighed in, calling Kimmel a “decent, funny and loving guy” and saying he hopes he returns soon. For now, Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains off-air while Sinclair Broadcasting awaits “formal discussions” with ABC and an apology to the Kirk family.

Do you think comedians should face suspension for controversial jokes, or is this a free speech issue?