U.S, Oct 22 : Actor and director Ben Stiller has voiced concerns over the state of comedy in the United States, calling it a “challenging” era under Donald Trump’s second term. Speaking to a British magazine while promoting his new Apple TV documentary Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost, the Zoolander star reflected on how the current political climate has affected comedians’ freedom to push boundaries.
“We live in a world where taking chances with comedy is more challenging,” Stiller said. “You’re seeing that front and center in our country.” He emphasized the importance of comedians continuing to speak truth to power and exercising creative freedom despite sensitivities and societal divisions.
Stiller’s remarks follow controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which was briefly suspended by Disney after comments made by host Jimmy Kimmel triggered online backlash. The incident, which even drew comments from FCC Chair Brendan Carr, sparked widespread debate about free speech in comedy. Defending Kimmel, Stiller posted on X (formerly Twitter), “This isn’t right,” underscoring his stance on protecting humor from censorship.
A veteran of comedy classics such as Meet the Parents and Tropic Thunder, Stiller said humor plays a crucial role in reflecting uncomfortable truths. While politically active in the past—supporting Kamala Harris in 2024 and participating in Oprah Winfrey’s “Unite For America”—Stiller maintains that comedy’s purpose transcends partisan politics. “Humor helps us see the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable,” he said.