Former Disney CEO defends Jimmy Kimmel suspension, denies political motive behind decision

Nearly a year after ABC temporarily suspended host Jimmy Kimmel, former Disney CEO Bob Iger spoke publicly about the decision, rejecting claims that the move was politically motivated.

In an interview with the Financial Times published on June 20, Iger reflected on the controversy that erupted after Kimmel commented on the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was murdered on September 10, 2025, during a speech at Utah Valley University.

“It’s not,” Iger said when asked if political pressure influenced the suspension. “We thought it was in bad taste.

Excerpt from Kimmel’s monologue

The controversy began during Kimmel’s monologue on Jimmy Kimmel Live! September 15, 2025, where he criticized supporters of President Donald Trump and their reaction to Kirk’s death.

“We hit new lows over the weekend as the MAGA gang desperately tried to characterize the guy who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of their own and did everything they could to score political points,” Kimmel said.

The remarks immediately drew backlash from conservative commentators and political figures, leading to increased scrutiny of both Kimmel and ABC.

FCC chairman adds pressure

A few days after the broadcast, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, appearing on commentator Benny Johnson’s show, echoed the sentiment that Disney should take action against the comedian.

“This is a very, very serious problem for Disney right now. We can make it easy or hard,” Carr said.

He added: “There are calls for Kimmel to be fired. I think you would definitely see a path forward for a suspension.”

The comments raised concerns among critics that government officials were putting pressure on the media company over the TV host’s political speech.

ABC suspends Kimmel

ABC subsequently announced an indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which ended up lasting nearly a week.

In a statement at the time, Disney said the move was to “prevent further inflaming of a tense situation at an emotional time for our country,” while calling Kimmel’s comments “ill-timed and therefore insensitive.”

The suspension sparked widespread debate about free speech, censorship and the role of media corporations in responding to politically charged controversies.

Iger explains Disney’s position

According to Iger, Disney was not concerned with Kimmel’s political opinion, but with the timing and tone of his comments after Kirk’s death.

“We wanted him to acknowledge that it was a poorly timed and probably inappropriate comment,” Iger said.

His remarks represent one of the clearest explanations yet from Disney executives about the rationale for the suspension.

Kimmel’s response upon his return

Kimmel addressed the controversy during his first show on September 23, 2025, expressing regret at how his comments were perceived.

“It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man,” Kimmel said.

He also stressed that he was not trying to pin the blame on the wider political movement.

“Nor did I attempt to blame any particular group for the actions of an obviously deeply disturbed individual.

The show is guaranteed until 2027

Despite the controversy, Kimmel’s future at ABC seems secure. Kimmel and the network agreed to a one-year contract extension in December, ensuring that Jimmy Kimmel Live! it will remain on the air until May 2027.

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