Bob Iger is setting the record straight about one of the most controversial media decisions of 2025. For the first time since ABC temporarily suspended “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” following the comedian’s remarks about the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, the former Disney CEO is explaining why the company took action and insists it had nothing to do with political pressure from President Donald Trump.
In a new interview with the Financial Times, Iger addressed the controversy and pushed back on claims that Disney suspended Kimmel to appease the Trump administration. “That was not the case,” Iger said.
Instead, Iger explained that Disney executives believed Kimmel’s comments about the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s death crossed a line. “We thought it was in bad taste,” he added.
The decision ultimately resulted in “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” being pulled from ABC’s lineup for a week before 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 during a monologue on his show. “We had some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it,” Kimmel said.
The comments immediately sparked backlash from conservative figures and eventually drew the attention of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who publicly encouraged local broadcasters to preempt the program. Later that day, some station owners did exactly that, and ABC subsequently announced Kimmel’s temporary suspension.
Disney Executives Reportedly Held A ‘Thoughtful Conversation’ With Kimmel
According to reports from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Deadline, Iger and then-Disney Entertainment co-chair Dana Walden personally spoke with Kimmel before the suspension was announced.
Iger indicated that Disney’s issue wasn’t necessarily the comedian’s politics but rather the timing of the remarks. “We just wanted him to acknowledge that it was an ill-timed and probably inappropriate comment,” Iger said.
Kimmel ultimately returned to the air one week later.
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