Bob Iger is setting the report straight about some of the controversial media selections of 2025. For the primary time since ABC briefly suspended “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” following the comic’s remarks concerning 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 mentioned.
As a substitute, Iger defined that Disney executives believed Kimmel’s feedback concerning the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s loss of life crossed a line. “We thought it was in unhealthy style,” he added.
The choice finally resulted in “Jimmy Kimmel Dwell!” being pulled from ABC’s lineup for per 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 attempting to characterize this child who murdered Charlie Kirk as something apart from certainly one of them and doing all the things they’ll to attain political factors from it,” Kimmel mentioned.
The feedback instantly sparked backlash from conservative figures and ultimately 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 line with studies 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 quite the timing of the remarks. “We simply needed him to acknowledge that it was an ill-timed and doubtless inappropriate remark,” Iger mentioned.
Kimmel ultimately returned to the air one week later, and whereas many have been supportive, one individual was not completely happy concerning the information: Donald Trump. “I can’t consider ABC Faux Information gave Jimmy Kimmel his job again. The White Home was instructed by ABC that his Present was canceled,” President Donald Trump wrote in a Reality Social publish.
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 enjoying 99% optimistic Democrat GARBAGE.”
The President of the US later claimed that Kimmel was “yet one more arm of the DNC and, to one of the best of my data, that may be a serious Unlawful Marketing campaign Contribution.”
“I believe 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 unhealthy Rankings.”
The Suspension Sparked Large Backlash
Disney’s determination to droop Kimmel’s present generated fast criticism from throughout the leisure business. Tons 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 goal at firm management in a social media publish about defending free speech and standing as much as political strain.
Charlie Kirk’s Demise Despatched Shockwaves By means 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 taking pictures. 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.
