Bob Iger is setting the report straight about some of the controversial media choices of 2025. For the primary time since ABC briefly suspended “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” following the comic’s remarks in regards to the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, the previous Disney CEO is explaining why the corporate took motion and insists it had nothing to do with political strain from President Donald Trump.
In a brand new interview with the Financial Times, Iger addressed the controversy and pushed again on claims that Disney suspended Kimmel to appease the Trump administration. “That was not the case,” Iger stated.
As an alternative, Iger defined that Disney executives believed Kimmel’s feedback in regards to the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s loss of life crossed a line. “We thought it was in dangerous style,” he added.
The choice in the end resulted in “Jimmy Kimmel Reside!” being pulled from ABC’s lineup for every week earlier than the late-night host returned to the air.
The controversy erupted after Kimmel addressed the political fallout surrounding the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk throughout a monologue on his present. “We had some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately making an attempt to characterize this child who murdered Charlie Kirk as something aside from one in all them and doing all the pieces they will to attain political factors from it,” Kimmel stated.
The feedback instantly sparked backlash from conservative figures and finally drew the eye of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who publicly inspired native broadcasters to preempt this system. Later that day, some station homeowners did precisely that, and ABC subsequently introduced Kimmel’s momentary suspension.
Disney Executives Reportedly Held A ‘Considerate Dialog’ With Kimmel
In keeping with experiences from The New York Instances, The Wall Avenue Journal, and Deadline, Iger and then-Disney Leisure co-chair Dana Walden personally spoke with Kimmel earlier than the suspension was introduced.
Iger indicated that Disney’s difficulty wasn’t essentially the comic’s politics however moderately the timing of the remarks. “We simply wished him to acknowledge that it was an ill-timed and doubtless inappropriate remark,” Iger stated.
Kimmel ultimately returned to the air one week later, and whereas many have been supportive, one individual was not pleased in regards to the information: Donald Trump. “I can’t imagine ABC Pretend Information gave Jimmy Kimmel his job again. The White Home was informed by ABC that his Present was canceled,” President Donald Trump wrote in a Reality Social submit.
He added, “One thing occurred between then and now as a result of his viewers is GONE, and his ‘expertise’ was by no means there. Why would they need somebody again who does so poorly, who’s not humorous, and who places the Community in jeopardy by taking part in 99% optimistic Democrat GARBAGE.”
The President of america later claimed that Kimmel was “yet one more arm of the DNC and, to the most effective of my data, that will be a serious Unlawful Marketing campaign Contribution.”
“I feel we’re going to check ABC out on this,” he continued. “Let’s see how we do. Final time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million {Dollars}. This one sounds much more profitable. A real bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his dangerous Scores.”
The Suspension Sparked Large Backlash
Disney’s determination to droop Kimmel’s present generated rapid criticism from throughout the leisure trade. Lots of of actors, comedians, producers, and tv personalities publicly supported Kimmel, together with Tom Hanks, Jennifer Aniston, Pedro Pascal, and extra.
The transfer additionally drew criticism from former Disney CEO Michael Eisner, who appeared to take intention at firm management in a social media submit about defending free speech and standing as much as political strain.
Charlie Kirk’s Loss of life Despatched Shockwaves By way of The Political World
The controversy unfolded within the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s loss of life in September 2025. The Turning Level USA founder was fatally shot whereas showing at an occasion on the campus of Utah Valley College. He was 31 years previous.
Authorities later arrested a 22-year-old Utah man in reference to the capturing. Prosecutors have alleged the suspect focused Kirk due to his political opinions and have indicated they intend to hunt the loss of life penalty if he’s convicted.
