Bob Iger is setting the record straight about one of the crucial controversial media decisions of 2025. For the primary time since ABC temporarily suspended “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” following the comedian’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 pressure from President Donald Trump.
In a brand 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.
As an alternative, Iger explained that Disney executives believed Kimmel’s comments concerning the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s death crossed a line. “We thought it was in bad taste,” he added.
The choice ultimately resulted in “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” being pulled from ABC’s lineup for per 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 recent lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately attempting to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything apart from certainly one of them and doing all the things they’ll to attain political points from it,” Kimmel said.
The comments immediately sparked backlash from conservative figures and eventually drew the eye of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who publicly encouraged local broadcasters to preempt this system. 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
In response to reports from The Recent 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 relatively the timing of the remarks. “We just wanted him to acknowledge that it was an ill-timed and possibly inappropriate comment,” Iger said.
Kimmel ultimately returned to the air one week later, and while many were supportive, one person was not comfortable concerning the news: Donald Trump. “I can’t imagine ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. The White House was told by ABC that his Show was canceled,” President Donald Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
He added, “Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his ‘talent’ was never there. Why would they need someone back who does so poorly, who’s not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE.”
The President of the US later claimed that Kimmel was “one more arm of the DNC and, to the perfect of my knowledge, that might be a significant Illegal Campaign Contribution.”
“I feel we’re going to check ABC out on this,” he continued. “Let’s see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds much more lucrative. A real bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Rankings.”
The Suspension Sparked Massive Backlash
Disney’s decision to suspend Kimmel’s show generated immediate criticism from across the entertainment industry. A whole bunch of actors, comedians, producers, and tv personalities publicly supported Kimmel, including Tom Hanks, Jennifer Aniston, Pedro Pascal, and more.
The move also drew criticism from former Disney CEO Michael Eisner, who appeared to take aim at company leadership in a social media post about defending free speech and standing as much as political pressure.
Charlie Kirk’s Death Sent Shockwaves Through The Political World
The controversy unfolded within the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s death in September 2025. The Turning Point USA founder was fatally shot while appearing at an event on the campus of Utah Valley University. He was 31 years old.
Authorities later arrested a 22-year-old Utah man in reference to the shooting. Prosecutors have alleged the suspect targeted Kirk due to his political opinions and have indicated they intend to hunt the death penalty if he’s convicted.