Eisner Blasts Disney Over Kimmel Suspension

Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner on Friday condemned ABC’s indefinite benching of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” accusing the network of caving to FCC intimidation and undermining the First Amendment.

Eisner’s remarks underscore rising concerns over government influence on media outlets and corporate leadership’s willingness to defend free speech.

In an X post, Eisner charged that Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr “aggressive yet hollow” threats prompted Disney to suspend Kimmel’s late-night program immediately after Carr criticized the host’s comments on conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination. He questioned, “Where has all the leadership gone? If not for university presidents, law firm managing partners, and corporate chief executives standing up against bullies, who then will step up for the First Amendment?”

Key Points

  • Government Pressure: Carr suggested the FCC could take action against ABC affiliates if the show continued to air.
  • Corporate Capitulation: Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair preempted Kimmel’s program, further isolating ABC’s decision.
  • First Amendment Warning: Eisner argued corporate leaders must resist intimidation to safeguard free speech.

Disney stopped airing new episodes of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Wednesday after widespread backlash over Kimmel’s Monday monologue, which linked supporters of former President Trump to the alleged shooter of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Carr labeled the remarks “some of the sickest conduct” and hinted at regulatory consequences, triggering an affiliate-wide pullback.

Nexstar and Sinclair-owners of nearly a quarter of ABC stations-swiftly announced they would not broadcast Kimmel’s show, intensifying Disney’s predicament. Facing potential FCC scrutiny for other regulatory approvals, Disney opted for an indefinite suspension rather than risking fines or license challenges.

Eisner’s intervention reflects broader industry anxiety about political coercion. He quipped that perhaps the Constitution should have specified, “Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, except in one’s political or financial self-interest.” For good measure, he added, “For the record, this ex-CEO finds Jimmy Kimmel very talented and funny.”

ABC has yet to announce when “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will return to the air, and Disney declined to comment on Eisner’s statement.