Joe Rogan Unleashes on WGA Over "Ridiculous" Jimmy Kimmel Suspension

Joe Rogan, the outspoken host of "The Joe Rogan Experience," has once again ignited a firestorm of discussion, this time taking aim squarely at the Writers Guild of America (WGA) for their controversial decision to suspend late-night titan Jimmy Kimmel. Rogan didn't mince words, vehemently defending Kimmel's actions during the tumultuous 2023 writers' strike and labeling the WGA's move as nothing short of "ridiculous" and a significant "bad look" for the union.

The controversy stems from Kimmel's choice to return to the airwaves with his popular ABC talk show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," while the WGA strike was still in full swing.

This decision led to his suspension from the guild, a punitive measure that Rogan argues was completely unwarranted and, frankly, misguided. According to Rogan, Kimmel was simply fulfilling his contractual obligations, a point he stressed repeatedly during a recent podcast episode.

"He's a host," Rogan explained, detailing his perspective.

"He's not a writer. He's contracted to do that show. They suspended him for doing his job." Rogan's frustration was palpable as he articulated the perceived injustice, drawing parallels to how other professionals in Hollywood, like producers, would continue working even if their specific union was on strike.

He questioned the WGA's logic, suggesting a fundamental misunderstanding of Kimmel's role and responsibilities.

The podcaster went further, openly criticizing the WGA's leadership and strategic decisions. "That is such a bad look for the WGA," Rogan declared, expressing his disappointment. "Whoever is running the WGA is a giant idiot for suspending him.

He has to do his show. What is he supposed to do? Not do his show?" This rhetorical challenge underscored Rogan's view that the WGA's action against Kimmel was not only punitive but also counterproductive to their broader goals.

Rogan's commentary extended beyond Kimmel, touching upon the precarious position of other late-night hosts like Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon.

He pondered what would happen if they, too, decided to return to work without their writing staffs, suggesting that they would face a similar, if not identical, backlash from the WGA. This highlighted a broader systemic issue within the entertainment industry's union structures and the pressures faced by high-profile personalities during labor disputes.

The WGA strike, which brought much of Hollywood to a grinding halt, lasted a grueling 148 days before finally concluding in late September of the previous year.

During this period, the entertainment landscape saw significant disruptions, with many shows going dark and productions being put on hold. While the strike ultimately led to new agreements for writers, Rogan's recent remarks reopen a conversation about the nuances of union actions and individual contractual obligations in such high-stakes environments.

His defense of Kimmel resonates with many who believe in the sanctity of contracts, even amidst the complexities of collective bargaining.