“Taking chances with comedy is tough” in the Trump era

Ben Stiller lamented the chilling impact on comedy during Donald Trump’s second term.

In an interview with Radio Times magazine, Zoolander star and to cut The director said it was a difficult time for the genre he loves, and urged comedians to stand up and take part.

“We live in a world where taking risks with comedy is more challenging. And you’re seeing it front and center in our country,” he said.

“But I think it’s important for comedians to keep doing what they’re doing, speaking truth to power, and being free to say what they want. That’s the most important thing.”

Stiller’s comments come on the heels of Disney’s brief suspension of Jimmy Kimmel over comments the late-night show host made about the death of Charlie Kirk.

Stiller was one of several prominent Hollywood figures to speak out against Kimmel’s suspension from ABC, posting on X/Twitter: “It’s not true.”

Stiller himself has resisted pressure to clean up Zoolander From Trump’s hijab. During a red carpet scene in the 2001 film, Trump can be heard saying, “If it wasn’t for Derek Zoolander, male models wouldn’t be what they are today.”

“I’ve had people reach out to me and say, ‘You should delete Donald Trump.’ Zoolander“But ultimately, that was a time that existed and happened,” he said.

Stiller spoke to Radio Times To promote his Apple TV documentary Stiller and Meara: Nothing is lostWhich is reflected in the lives of his parents, comedians Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara.