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Ben Stiller Says Comedy’s Space Is Shrinking, Urges Comics to ‘Speak Truth to Power

His comments cite Kimmel’s brief suspension alongside social-media blowback as evidence that risk-taking is harder under Trump’s second term.

Overview

  • In a Radio Times interview promoting his Apple TV documentary Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost, Stiller said taking chances with comedy has become more challenging and called for comedians to keep speaking freely.
  • He criticized ABC/Disney’s temporary removal of Jimmy Kimmel Live after Kimmel’s on-air remarks about Charlie Kirk’s death, posting “This isn’t right” on X as the show returned to air on Sept. 22 following a Sept. 17 suspension.
  • Stiller pointed to social platforms like TikTok and Instagram as corrosive to attention spans, arguing that rapid, wide distribution dilutes the craft of comedy.
  • He warned that studios and creators are increasingly trepidatious, which could reduce the number of riskier comedies that get greenlit.
  • He said he has resisted calls to remove President Donald Trump’s cameo from Zoolander, arguing the brief appearance reflects a specific moment in time.