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Former Disney CEO Bob Iger has spoken out about Jimmy Kimmel's brief suspension from ABC, saying the move was not politically motivated despite pressure from Donald Trump and conservative groups.
In a new interview with the Financial Times, Iger addressed the controversy surrounding Kimmel's September 2025 remarks about the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The late-night host suggested the suspected shooter was part of the "MAGA gang" and later joked about Trump's reaction.
ABC pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air for six days following the comments. At the time, the network said some of the remarks were "ill-timed and thus insensitive." Iger now explains, "That was not the case. We thought it was in bad taste. We just wanted him to acknowledge that it was an ill-timed and probably inappropriate comment."
Kimmel returned to air on September 23 after what ABC described as "thoughtful conversations." He later admitted the suspension gave him time to reflect, telling Bloomberg, "I can sometimes be reactionary. I can sometimes be aggressive. I can sometimes be unpleasant. I think that it helped me, really, having those days to think about it."
The suspension came amid mounting pressure from Trump, who repeatedly called for Kimmel's firing and praised Nexstar Media for pushing ABC to act. FCC Chair Brendan Carr also commended the decision. Despite this, Iger insists Disney's choice was not about appeasing the administration.
Since returning, Kimmel has continued to spar with Trump in his monologues, including jokes about Melania Trump and inviting Rosie O'Donnell to guest host. ABC later extended Kimmel's contract in December 2025, signaling its support for the comedian despite ongoing political attacks.
Reflecting on Disney's stance, Iger said he "wholeheartedly" backed the company's refusal to punish Kimmel further after Trump's latest demands. "I'm thoroughly supportive. It's what we anticipated needing to do if the government's threats turned into action," he explained.
