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Jimmy Kimmel fans have been voicing their support for the late-night host, who was suspended after the Federal Communications Commission threatened ABC over a monologue that Jimmy Kimmel gave. In Los Angeles, supporters gathered to protest the suspension, and there's even talk of a boycott. Steve Futterman reports from Los Angeles.
STEVE FUTTERMAN, BYLINE: Yesterday on Hollywood Boulevard...
(SOUNDBITE OF PROTEST)
UNIDENTIFIED PROTESTER: (Chanting) Protect free speech.
UNIDENTIFIED PROTESTERS: (Chanting) Protect free speech.
UNIDENTIFIED PROTESTER: (Chanting) Protect free speech.
UNIDENTIFIED PROTESTERS: (Chanting) Protect free speech.
UNIDENTIFIED PROTESTER: Come on.
FUTTERMAN: In front of the theater where Jimmy Kimmel tapes his show, people jammed the sidewalk. Many carried signs demanding Kimmel's return. One of those protesting was Kyle Engberg, a stand-up comedian.
KYLE ENGBERG: Yeah, I guess I've walked that line before, sure. You have to as a comedian, but it's a slippery slope. And I think it's time for the people to stand up and make sure that we're not silenced.
(SOUNDBITE OF PROTEST)
UNIDENTIFIED PROTESTER: Peaceful protest, y'all.
FUTTERMAN: Even some of those on Hollywood Boulevard who dress up each day as fictional characters, then take pictures with tourists, took part in the rally. We saw Freddy Krueger and Darth Vader carrying signs. Sunsara Taylor delivered a speech going after both ABC and Disney.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
SUNSARA TAYLOR: Jimmy said nothing wrong. And you know what? Even if he had said something wrong, he did not deserve to be suspended.
FUTTERMAN: Many of those we spoke with talked about boycotting ABC and Disney. Jonathan Handel, an entertainment attorney here in LA, says a boycott could have an impact in many different ways.
JONATHAN HANDEL: People can, you know, if they choose, they can boycott the Disney theme parks, can boycott the Disney tours and travel, can boycott Disney consumer products, boycott Disney movies.
FUTTERMAN: But, he says, for a boycott to actually be effective, it would have to include thousands and thousands of people. ABC still has not officially explained its reasons for taking Kimmel off the air. The biggest question continues to be whether this indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel will be temporary or permanent.
For NPR News, I'm Steve Futterman in Los Angeles.
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