When the American Civil Liberties Union released an open letter condemning the government’s role in Jimmy Kimmel’s temporary suspension, hundreds of Hollywood and Broadway figures signed in solidarity. Among them were many prominent Latino and Hispanic performers and creators who used their platform to defend the constitutional right to free expression.
A Letter for the First Amendment
The letter warns that “government threats to our freedom of speech…strike at the heart of what it means to live in a free country.” Signatories emphasized that silencing one voice endangers everyone, urging Americans to “defend and preserve our constitutionally protected rights.”
Latinx and Hispanic Signatories
Several celebrated Latino and Hispanic stars added their names, underscoring how vital free speech is to diverse communities:
- America Ferrera – The Emmy-winning Ugly Betty and Barbie star of Honduran roots has long advocated for immigrant rights and Latinx representation.
- Ariana DeBose – An Oscar winner for West Side Story, DeBose is a proud Afro-Latina who often speaks about visibility for marginalized artists.
- Demián Bichir – The Mexican actor and Academy Award nominee for A Better Life joined the call for protecting artistic voices.
- Diego Luna – Known for Andor and Rogue One, the Mexican actor-director has consistently supported freedom of expression in the arts.
- Gabriel Luna – The Texas-born actor of Mexican descent, recognized for The Last of Us and Terminator: Dark Fate, also signed on.
- Lin-Manuel Miranda – The Hamilton creator and son of Puerto Rican parents has been a leading advocate for both the arts and civil liberties.
- Luis & Luz Miranda – Lin-Manuel’s parents, who have championed Puerto Rican causes and community activism, added their voices.
- Melissa Fumero – The Brooklyn Nine-Nine star, of Cuban heritage, is a frequent advocate for Latinx inclusion in television.
- Melissa Villaseñor – A groundbreaking Latina comedian and former Saturday Night Live cast member joined fellow artists in support.
- Pedro Pascal – The Chilean-born star of The Last of Us and The Mandalorian lent his global platform to defend free speech.
- Rafael Casal – The actor, whose family immigrated from Cuba, writer, and director (Blindspotting) added his name to the growing list.
- Rosario Dawson – The actress and activist of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent reinforced the message of artistic independence.
- Selena Gomez – One of the world’s biggest pop stars and an outspoken advocate for mental health and immigrant rights, Gomez joined the effort.
A Broader Cultural Stand
These Latino and Hispanic voices stood alongside hundreds of fellow artists—including Meryl Streep, Robert De Niro, and Mark Ruffalo—to call this “a dark moment for freedom of speech.” Their participation highlights how diverse communities recognize the threat when any group’s right to speak is challenged.
As the debate over Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension continues, the united stance of these prominent Latino and Hispanic stars signals that protecting free expression transcends politics, fame, and borders.
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