Bob Iger sets the record straight on one of the most controversial media decisions of 2025. For the first time since ABC’s temporary suspension “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” following the actor’s comments on the murder of the conservative commentator Charlie Kirkthe former Disney CEO explains why the company took action and insists it has nothing to do with political pressure from President Donald Trump.
Bob Iger says Jimmy Kimmel was suspended for a reason
In a new interview with the Financial Times, Iger addressed the controversy and pushed back against claims that Disney suspended Kimmel to appease the Trump administration. “It wasn’t,” Iger said.
Instead, Iger explained that Disney executives thought Kimmel’s comments about the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s death crossed the line. “We found it to be in bad taste,” he added.
The decision ultimately resulted in “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” » be removed from ABC’s lineup for a week before the late-night host returns to the air.
The controversy erupted after Kimmel addressed the political fallout surrounding the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a monologue on his show. “We saw new lows this 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 could to get political points out of it,” Kimmel said.
These comments drew immediate backlash from conservative figures and eventually caught the attention of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who publicly encouraged local broadcasters to preempt the program. Later that day, some station owners did just that and ABC subsequently announced Kimmel’s temporary suspension.
Disney executives reportedly had ‘thoughtful conversation’ with Kimmel
According to reports from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and Deadline, Iger and Dana Walden, then co-president of Disney Entertainment, spoke personally with Kimmel before the suspension was announced.
Iger said Disney’s problem wasn’t necessarily the comedian’s policies but rather the timing of the remarks. “We just wanted him to acknowledge that it was an untimely and probably inappropriate comment,” Iger said.
Kimmel finally returned to the air a week later, and while many were supportive, one person was not happy with the news: Donald Trump. “I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. The White House was informed by ABC that his show was canceled,” President Donald Trump wrote in a Truth Social article.
He added, “Something happened between then and now because his audience disappeared and his ‘talent’ was never there. Why would they want to go back to someone who is so bad, who is not funny, and who is putting the network in danger by playing 99% positive Democratic TRASH.”
The President of the United States later claimed that Kimmel was “yet another arm of the DNC and, to my knowledge, that would constitute a major contribution to an illegal campaign.”
“I think we’re going to test ABC on this,” he continued. “Let’s see how we do. The last time I sued them, they gave me $16 million. This one looks even more lucrative. A real bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel languish in his bad ratings.”
The suspension sparked a massive backlash
Disney’s decision to shelve Kimmel’s show sparked immediate criticism from across the entertainment industry. Hundreds of actors, comedians, producers and television personalities have publicly supported Kimmel, including Tom Hanks, Jennifer Aniston, Pierre Pascaland more.
The move also drew criticism from former Disney CEO Michael Eisner, who appeared to lash out at company executives in a social media post about defending free speech and resisting political pressure.
The death of Charlie Kirk caused shock waves in the political world
The controversy unfolded in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death in September 2025. The Turning Point USA founder was fatally shot while attending an event on the campus of Utah Valley University. He was 31 years old.
Authorities later arrested a 22-year-old Utah man in connection with the shooting. Prosecutors alleged the suspect targeted Kirk because of his political beliefs and indicated they intended to seek the death penalty if he was convicted.
