His comments follow a recent controversy involving ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ The late-night show was briefly suspended by Disney after a remark made by host Jimmy Kimmel.
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Donald Trump may be sitting in the Oval Office again, but not everyone is laughing. Especially not the comedians. Actor and director Ben Stiller recently opened up about how comedy has changed in what he calls a “challenging” time for humor in America.
In a conversation with a British magazine while promoting his new Apple TV documentary ‘Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost’, the ‘Zoolander’ star reflected on how the political climate under Trump’s second term has affected the art of making people laugh.
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“We live in a world where taking chances with comedy is more challenging,” Stiller said. “You’re seeing that front and center in our country.”
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Stiller’s words carry weight. After all, he’s been part of comedy’s golden age, from ‘Meet the Parents’ to ‘Tropic Thunder.’ But today’s world, he believes, is far more sensitive and divided. “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,” he added.
His comments follow a recent controversy involving ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ The late-night show was briefly suspended by Disney after a remark made by host Jimmy Kimmel sparked backlash online. Even the FCC chair, Brendan Carr, weighed in. The move set off a firestorm on social media, with many calling it an attack on free speech.
Stiller was quick to defend Kimmel, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “This isn’t right.” His message was clear: comedy, by nature, pushes boundaries and silencing it is dangerous.
The actor has never shied away from political issues. In the past, he supported Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential race and even joined Oprah Winfrey’s “Unite For America” event last year. Yet, he insists that comedy’s role isn’t about picking sides. It’s about reflection.
“Humor helps us see the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable,” he once said in an earlier interview.
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