Hollywood blasted the White House for targeting free speech after ABC pulled Jimmy Kimmel's talk on Wednesday under regulatory threats from Donald Trump's administration, rallying behind the late-night comic after his comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

“Mr Kimmel’s comments about the death of Mr Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse,” Nexstar broadcasting division president Andrew Alford, said.

Carr suggested his FCC could move to revoke ABC affiliate licenses as a way to force Disney to punish Kimmel.