Zohran Mamdani, a leading NYC mayoral candidate, withdrew from an ABC town hall in protest of the network's suspension of Jimmy Kimmel, which was prompted by controversial comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The suspension was influenced by FCC Chair Brendan Carr's pressure on ABC and other networks, leading to bipartisan criticism and accusations of political interference.

Kimmel's suspension followed remarks suggesting that the murderer of Kirk's associate was aligned with the MAGA movement, sparking widespread backlash.

Mamdani criticized corporate leaders for prioritizing profits over press freedom and highlighted the broader threat to journalism and free speech.

Amidst the controversy, Mamdani's campaign is gaining momentum, with him leading in polls and running as an independent amid political maneuvering involving other candidates like Cuomo and Adams.

Mamdani spoke at Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms State Park, framing his boycott as a stand for constitutional rights and press freedom against government overreach.

He condemned Disney, ABC's parent company, for caving to political pressure and accused them of cowardice in the face of government threats, emphasizing the importance of media independence.

Mamdani emphasized that the suspension signals a broader attack on the First Amendment, criticizing corporate greed and government actions that threaten free speech and media independence.

He described his withdrawal as a stand against authoritarian tendencies, stressing the importance of defending constitutional rights amid increasing suppression of free expression.

Mamdani warned that such actions could have a chilling effect on journalists, writers, and artists, undermining democratic values.

The controversy has sparked significant backlash, including a letter organized by the ACLU with over 400 Hollywood signatories supporting Kimmel and condemning threats to free expression.

Negotiations are ongoing for Kimmel's show to return, with Disney and Kimmel working on a compromise, though some conflicts involve Disney’s negotiations with the NFL.

Some conservative politicians and organizations called for action against those celebrating Charlie Kirk’s death, and several companies dismissed employees over comments about Kirk.