Ricky Gervais has entered the conversation around Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension, responding with his trademark bluntness.
Gervais’ Reaction
After news broke that ABC pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely following the late-night host’s controversial comments on Charlie Kirk, Gervais posted a GIF of himself saying “SHUT UP” on X.
This might be useful 👍
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) September 18, 2025
pic.twitter.com/edTrWQ3Ega
The clip is from his now-legendary 2020 Golden Globes monologue, where Gervais skewered Hollywood’s elite with jokes about Jeffrey Epstein, Harvey Weinstein, Prince Andrew, and even Disney itself.
That moment — in which he told A-list stars to “shut up” and avoid political speeches — is being widely shared again as fans suggest Gervais should replace Kimmel on ABC.
“…sort of like working for Harvey Weinstein… You did it. I didn’t. You did it. Shut the f’ up,” he told the celebs in attendance at the time.

Kimmel’s Controversial Remarks
Kimmel was taken off the air after using his September 15 monologue to attack conservatives reacting to Kirk’s assassination. The host accused “the MAGA gang” of “trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.” However, it was revealed that 22-year-old Tyler Robinson is a leftist romantically involved with another man transitioning to a transgender male.
ABC announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would be “preempted indefinitely,” and major affiliates like Nexstar and Sinclair followed by replacing his program with alternative broadcasts, some featuring tributes to Kirk.
Those wankers don't listen. 😂
— Jakes0nville 🇺🇸🦁☀ (@Jakes0nville) September 18, 2025
Fans Push for Gervais as Replacement
Supporters online say Gervais’ no-holds-barred approach would be a refreshing contrast to Kimmel’s partisan style. Many pointed out that Gervais, who famously torched Hollywood “wokeness” in 2020, would be the “perfect answer” to the current controversy.
Social media posts are circulating with calls for ABC to give the slot to Gervais and let him bring his unapologetic humor to late-night television.
Replace with @rickygervais then the show would turn back to funny… pic.twitter.com/2pgXNm5I56
— ☘️ St. Michael 🩸 (@StMichael_777) September 17, 2025