Leno Backs Kimmel Amid Suspension: Late Night Legends Unite

In a surprising turn of events, former late-night host Jay Leno has come out in support of his counterpart Jimmy Kimmel, who was recently suspended indefinitely by ABC. Leno, known for his own successful run on The Tonight Show, stated that he is firmly "on Jimmy Kimmel's side" when it comes to the controversy.

Leno, a vocal proponent of free speech, believes that Kimmel's suspension is an attack on the truth. "You don't get canceled saying popular things," Leno remarked. "Usually, it's the truth that winds up getting canceled, so we'll see what happens." Despite their past tensions, Leno expressed admiration for Kimmel's talent and humor, predicting that the embattled host will "land on his feet."

The two late-night legends have not always seen eye to eye. In 2010, Kimmel appeared as a guest on Leno's Tonight Show and mocked the host for returning to the program after his replacement, Conan O'Brien, resigned. However, Leno has now put aside those differences, stating, "I enjoy Jimmy. I like all the guys. I think they're really talented. I like jokes. That's why I watch them."

Leno's support for Kimmel comes as a growing number of fellow late-night hosts, including Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, and David Letterman, have also voiced their solidarity with the embattled comedian. As the industry rallies behind Kimmel, the future remains uncertain, but Leno's endorsement adds significant weight to the ongoing debate surrounding free speech and the role of late-night television.