Jimmy Kimmel’s Case and the Truth About Free Speech at Work with Employment Lawyer Peter Rahbar

Where does free speech really end when it comes to your job? In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I sit down with Peter Rahbar, employment lawyer and founder of The Rahbar Group, to break down the tricky intersection of the First Amendment, company policies, and employment contracts. Using Jimmy Kimmel’s recent headlines as a case study, Peter explains how morals clauses work in talent agreements, what rights companies have to suspend or fire employees over remarks, and why business risk often drives decisions more than legal standards. We also dig into the pitfalls of vague contract language, what “actual malice” really means in defamation cases, and how at-will employees should think before posting online. Through his New York boutique practice, Peter represents executives, media personalities, and professionals across industries, and he also co-hosts the Across the Bar Podcast, which explores current events and their impact on the workplace. Whether you’re an executive, on-air talent, or simply navigating your company’s handbook, this conversation delivers clear, practical takeaways on how to protect both yourself — and your career.