CBS News|3 minute read
Ted Cruz Slams FCC Chair for Goodfellas-Style Threats Over Jimmy Kimmel
Ted Cruz has unleashed a tirade against Brendan Carr, the FCC chair appointed by Trump, accusing him of using mafia-style intimidation tactics against comedian Jimmy Kimmel. Cruz's comments came after Carr called for 'action' against Kimmel's show, which he claimed resembled the menacing approaches seen in Martin Scorsese's iconic film 'Goodfellas'. This has sparked a debate about the power dynamics at play within the FCC and the implications of such threats on creative freedom in media.
Key points include:
- Cruz's comparison of Carr's actions to mob tactics.
- The chilling effect on broadcast media from government officials.
- The broader implications for free speech and comedic expression.
Here's the full scoop.
Full Story
Ted Cruz Goes to Bat for Jimmy Kimmel
In a world where political figures often throw verbal punches, Senator Ted Cruz just delivered a haymaker aimed squarely at Brendan Carr, the FCC chair who seems to have taken a page from the mobster playbook. Cruz didn’t hold back when he accused Carr of threatening Jimmy Kimmel with calls for 'action' that felt straight out of a Scorsese flick—think 'Goodfellas' but with less charm and more bureaucratic bullying.
What Sparked the Controversy?
It all started when Carr, in a fit of overreach, decided to throw his weight around in the world of comedy. His remarks about needing to take action against Kimmel for his show’s content raised eyebrows and alarm bells across the media landscape. Cruz, not one to let a fellow Texan (even one in comedy) get pushed around, stepped in to defend Kimmel, likening Carr’s threats to mob tactics.
The Goodfellas Connection
Here's where things get juicy: Cruz compared Carr’s behavior to the intimidation tactics seen in the classic gangster film 'Goodfellas'. You know, the kind of threats that make you feel like you might wake up with a horse’s head in your bed. Cruz's bold analogy isn’t just clever; it underscores a real fear about how government power can influence free speech, especially in the realm of entertainment.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about Kimmel or Carr; it’s a reflection of a larger issue at play. When an FCC chair starts acting like a mob boss, it sends a shiver down the spine of every comedian and broadcaster out there. The implications are staggering. Free speech in comedy is essential; it’s where we challenge norms, poke fun at power, and express dissent. If government officials start playing the role of censors, we’re in a slippery slope towards a more controlled media landscape.
What’s Next?
So what’s the takeaway from Cruz’s fiery comments? It’s a rallying cry for defenders of free speech everywhere. Cruz may be a polarizing figure, but his defense of Kimmel highlights a critical point: when the government starts making threats against comedians, we all need to pay attention. After all, if we can’t laugh at the absurdities of life, what’s left?
Read More
- Ted Cruz criticizes Trump-appointed FCC chair for urging "action" on Jimmy Kimmel
- Senator Ted Cruz says US broadcast regulator acted like 'mafioso' on Jimmy Kimmel
- ‘Dangerous as hell’: Ted Cruz compares FCC chair’s threats against ABC to mob tactics
- Ted Cruz Accuses FCC Chair of Mafia-Like Tactics Amid Jimmy Kimmel Fallout
- Jimmy Kimmel's suspension shows power of FCC's Brendan Carr
Loading comments...