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3h ago

Michael Eisner Rebukes Disney Over Kimmel Suspension as Industry Pressure Builds

Affiliate preemptions plus public threats from the FCC chair drove the move, raising free‑speech and regulatory concerns.

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Black tape crosses out a Mickey Mouse T-shirt during a demonstration in response to the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show outside of The Walt Disney Studios Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, in Burbank, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Late Night with Seth Meyers, Seth Meyers talks Jimmy Kimmel's show being pulled by ABC.
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Overview

  • ABC confirmed it suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely after his Sept. 15 monologue about Charlie Kirk’s killing referenced the “MAGA gang.”
  • FCC Chair Brendan Carr condemned Kimmel’s remarks and suggested punitive avenues, and major station groups Nexstar and Sinclair moved to preempt the show.
  • Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner criticized the suspension as intimidation and urged business leaders to defend the First Amendment.
  • Late‑night hosts and Hollywood figures rallied to Kimmel’s defense, with some Marvel talent endorsing subscription boycotts and creator Damon Lindelof saying he would not work with Disney if the ban stands.
  • Reports describe a standoff between Kimmel and Disney after a cordial meeting without resolution, with no timetable for his return as broader business and regulatory exposures weigh on the decision.