On Chicago’s Morning Answer, Dan Proft spoke with Christian Toto, host of the Hollywood in Toto podcast, about the return of Jimmy Kimmel to late-night television and the broader debate over cancel culture, celebrity activism, and free speech.
Toto criticized actors like Mark Ruffalo and Angelina Jolie for suddenly presenting themselves as defenders of free expression while having remained silent—or even supportive—during years of cancel culture in Hollywood. He argued that Ruffalo’s dismissal of cancel culture as “no big deal” was hypocritical given that prominent voices were silenced for years without objection from industry insiders. “They are such frauds,” Toto said, noting that these same celebrities now blame government pressure when it no longer fits their political narrative.
The discussion touched on Kimmel’s reinstatement by Disney after affiliates briefly dropped his show. Toto said that the framing of Kimmel as a free speech martyr is misplaced, especially given the financial struggles of late-night TV. He cautioned that regulatory remarks made by FCC commissioner Brendan Carr were unwise, warning that once government action against speech is normalized, it will be abused by both parties.
Proft and Toto also highlighted the rise of violent rhetoric online, pointing to social media posts from Keith Olbermann and the arrest of a man who allegedly plotted attacks on conservative media figures after firing shots at an ABC affiliate. Toto expressed frustration that mainstream outlets ignore these threats while amplifying celebrity campaigns to reinstate Kimmel. He also noted that Jewish performers like Morrissey, Matisyahu, and Michael Rapaport have faced concert cancellations and threats, yet receive little attention or defense from the entertainment press.
Looking ahead, Toto said the late-night format is “a dying model” and doubted that Kimmel’s show could sustain long-term success. While he remains a fan of film and television artistry, he argued that Hollywood continues to damage its credibility when celebrities and media figures weigh in on issues they poorly understand.