Jimmy Kimmel criticises ‘anti-American’ threats to free speech as his show returns – live updates

Image source, Getty Images

Kimmel brings out Hollywood legend and notable Trump critic, Robert De Niro, in a skit playing the new chairman of the FCC.

De Niro begins with a warning, “Whoopi over there to show some respect”, referencing Trump’s threat to take down another popular ABC show, the View.

“Speech, it ain’t free no more,” says De Niro. “We’re charging by the word now.”

He follows by cursing several times in a back-and-forth with Kimmel, saying as the new FCC chair he can say “whatever I want”.

De Niro also announces a new motto for the FCC: “Sticks and stones may break your bones.”

“Words, they can harm you now. Just make sure you pick the right words.”

The skit ends with De Niro pretending to take a call from Trump, which he answers with: “Hi, handsome.”