Celebrities and Free Speech: Do They Really Matter?

In September, a late-night TV host named Jimmy Kimmel got into hot water for a comment he made about someone named Charlie Kirk. The comment wasn't that big of a deal, but it upset President Donald Trump so much that the head of the Federal Communications Commission threatened ABC, the network that airs Kimmel's show. This threat made people worry about freedom of speech, especially since Kirk was known for standing up for free speech himself.

Celebrity Backlash

Around 400 celebrities signed a letter organized by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to condemn Kimmel's removal from the air. Big names like Robert De Niro, Jennifer Aniston, and Michael Keaton were among the signers. The letter said that no matter their political views, they all loved their country and believed that no one's voice should be silenced by those in power.

Kimmel was brought back on the air a few days later, but it's unclear if the celebrities' letter had anything to do with that decision. It's possible that ABC just wanted to avoid losing viewers and advertisers.

Censorship Concerns

This incident raises concerns about censorship in the United States. If a well-known TV host can be punished for a comment that wasn't even that controversial, what does that mean for the rest of us? It's not the first time celebrities have made a big statement about an issue affecting the United States. During the Emmy Awards in September, several stars showed their support for the Palestinian people. They wore pins and made statements about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Celebrity Activism

More than 4,000 people in the entertainment industry signed a statement saying they would not work with Israeli institutions or others they believe are complicit in "genocide and apartheid" against the Palestinian people. This shows that celebrities are actually invested in the issue and are taking action to support their beliefs.

Public Impact

However, it's unclear if the public really cares about what celebrities say or do in support of causes. Celebrity endorsements don't seem to have much of an impact on the general public. For example, Taylor Swift's endorsement of Kamala Harris in the 2024 election didn't make much of a difference. Even Oprah Winfrey's endorsement of Barack Obama in the 2008 election had little impact on the race.

Financial Influence

On the other hand, celebrities who are able to put money behind their verbal support seem to have some influence. Elon Musk, for example, heavily influenced the 2024 election by spending more than $290 million on pro-Trump messaging. And of course, Trump's own celebrity and public perception as a "self-made" billionaire can't be understated as an influence on his popularity.

Conclusion

Celebrities have a right to speak out just like anyone else. And, like the rest of us, their declarations are best paired with action.