Bob Iger is setting the record straight about one of the most controversial media decisions of 2025. For the first time since ABC temporarily suspended “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” following the comedian’s remarks about the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, the former Disney CEO is explaining why the company took action and insists it had nothing to do with political pressure from President Donald Trump.
Bob Iger Says Jimmy Kimmel Was Suspended For One Reason
In a 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.
Instead, Iger explained that Disney executives believed Kimmel’s comments about the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s death crossed a line. “We thought it was in bad taste,” he added.
The decision ultimately resulted in “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” being pulled from ABC’s lineup for a week before the late-night host returned to the air.
The Controversy Stemmed From Kimmel’s Charlie Kirk Remarks
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 new lows over the 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 can to score political points from it,” Kimmel said.
The comments immediately sparked backlash from conservative figures and eventually drew the attention of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who publicly encouraged local broadcasters to preempt the program. 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
According to reports from The New 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 rather the timing of the remarks. “We just wanted him to acknowledge that it was an ill-timed and probably inappropriate comment,” Iger said.
Kimmel ultimately returned to the air one week later, and while many were supportive, one person was not happy about the news: Donald Trump. “I can’t believe 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 want 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 United States later claimed that Kimmel was “yet another arm of the DNC and, to the best of my knowledge, that would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution.”
“I think we’re going to test 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 even more lucrative. A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings.”
The Suspension Sparked Massive Backlash
Disney’s decision to suspend Kimmel’s show generated immediate criticism from across the entertainment industry. Hundreds of actors, comedians, producers, and television 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 up to political pressure.
Charlie Kirk’s Death Sent Shockwaves Through The Political World
The controversy unfolded in 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 connection with the shooting. Prosecutors have alleged the suspect targeted Kirk because of his political beliefs and have indicated they intend to seek the death penalty if he is convicted.