Ben Stiller said that comedy is facing increasing pressure in the U.S.
He argued that the current political climate is making it harder for comedians to take creative risks.
In an interview with Radio Times magazine, the actor and director discussed the challenges comedy is facing while urging comedians to keep speaking freely.
"We live in a world where taking chances with comedy is more challenging. You're seeing that front and center in our country," he said.
"But I think it's important that comedians keep doing what they're doing, speaking truth to power and being free to say what they want. That's the most important thing."
Stiller's comments followed ABC's temporary suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" in September, after a remark made by host Jimmy Kimmel on his Sept. 15 episode drew backlash online, including from FCC Chair Brendan Carr.
During that broadcast, Kimmel said: "We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it."
President Donald Trump later criticized the network for reinstating Kimmel.
"I can't believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back," he posted on Truth Social.
"The White House was told by ABC that his Show was canceled! Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his 'talent' was never there."
Stiller was among several Hollywood figures who spoke out against the suspension, writing on X, "This isn't right."
Stiller has long been critical of Trump and voiced his support for Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential race.
He also joined the "Unite for America" virtual event hosted by Oprah Winfrey last year.
Despite political tensions, Stiller has refused to remove Trump's cameo from his 2001 comedy "Zoolander."
In the film, Trump appears briefly, saying, "Without Derek Zoolander, male modeling wouldn't be what it is today."
Stiller said he has been asked to cut the clip but declined.
"I've had people reach out to me and say, 'You should edit Donald Trump out of Zoolander,' but at the end of the day, that was a time that existed and that happened," he said, according to Deadline.
Stiller spoke to Radio Times while promoting his Apple TV documentary "Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost," which looks back on the lives and careers of his parents, comedians Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara.
Zoe Papadakis ✉
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.
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