Ex-Disney Star Olivia Rodrigo Blasts ABC Over Jimmy Kimmel Suspension: ‘Abuse Of Power’

Pop superstar and former Disney^[1] star Olivia Rodrigo^[2] is speaking out in defense of Jimmy Kimmel^[3] after ABC^[4] abruptly suspended his long-running late-night show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”^[5] The 22-year-old Grammy-winning singer took to Instagram over the weekend to lash out at the network, calling the move a shocking act of “blatant censorship” and an “abuse of power.” Olivia Rodrigo’s fiery comments come as a wave of Hollywood stars rally behind Jimmy Kimmel, who was taken off the air following his controversial remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk^[6].

On Saturday, the former Disney+ actress reposted a statement from SAG-AFTRA and added her own sharp words of support for Kimmel^[7]. “So upset over this blatant censorship and abuse of power,” Rodrigo wrote on her Instagram Stories. “I stand with Jimmy Kimmel and I stand for freedom of speech.”

Her post quickly aligned her with a growing list of A-listers, unions, and entertainment leaders who have condemned the network’s move^[8]. SAG-AFTRA’s original statement emphasized that democracy “thrives when diverse points of view are expressed” and warned against the suppression of free speech.

Rodrigo didn’t stop there. She later reposted David Letterman^[9]’s fiery remarks comparing the suspension to an act of authoritarianism. The retired host blasted the decision during a live interview with The Atlantic^[10], saying, “You can’t go around firing somebody because you’re fearful or trying to suck up to an authoritarian, a criminal, administration in the Oval Office. That’s just not how this works.”

The backlash comes as reports swirl that Kimmel is preparing for his sensational return to television after being suspended “indefinitely”^[11] for comments about Kirk’s assassination.

While Rodrigo is best known for chart-topping hits like “Drivers License” and “Vampire,” she’s also built a reputation for speaking out on political issues. In 2021, she partnered with the White House to encourage young people to get the COVID-19 vaccine. In 2024, she publicly endorsed Kamala Harris^[12] during the presidential election. Now in 2025, she’s throwing her weight behind Kimmel and free speech.

Rodrigo’s roots in Hollywood trace back to her breakout role in “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” on Disney+, before launching her solo career and later starring in her Disney+ documentary “Driving Home 2 U,” which chronicled the making of her debut album “Sour.”

Rodrigo’s comments add to a wave of criticism hammering ABC for bowing to political pressure. For her, the issue goes beyond one talk show host, as it’s about protecting fundamental rights. “Our society depends on freedom of expression,” she wrote, echoing SAG-AFTRA’s warning.

But it’s not just politics the singer speaks out about. Rodrigo has also never shied away from using her platform to advocate for women’s rights^[13] and reproductive freedom. The “GUTS” singer has been outspoken about abortion access and birth rights^[14], especially following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

During her Glastonbury Festival set in 2022, Rodrigo made headlines when she brought Lily Allen on stage to perform “F-ck You” as a direct message to the justices who voted to strip federal abortion protections. She later doubled down in interviews, stressing that young women should be able to make their own choices about their bodies without government interference.

Rodrigo also partnered with the Missouri Abortion Fund to distribute free condoms and emergency contraception^[15] as part of her push for reproductive rights. The move sparked controversy, though, and the backlash ultimately led abortion rights groups to halt offering these resources at her shows.

In 2023, Rodrigo launched her non-profit, Fund 4 Good, dedicated to supporting reproductive rights, gender equality, and other causes close to her heart. The initiative partnered with organizations on the ground to provide resources and amplify the fight for women’s health care.

By standing with Kimmel now, Rodrigo isn’t just weighing in on free speech, but she’s continuing a pattern of activism that has become central to her identity. Whether it’s reproductive rights^[16], political endorsements, or calling out censorship, she’s made it clear she’s not afraid to get loud.