Damon Lindelof Boycotts Disney Until Jimmy Kimmel Live! Returns

Damon Lindelof, co-creator of Lost and Watchmen, declared he will refuse to work with Disney or its ABC network until the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! is lifted. Lindelof’s stance underscores growing industry backlash over the late-night host’s recent preemption.

Industry stalwart takes stand The announcement, made via Lindelof’s Instagram on Thursday, follows ABC’s decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! after FCC scrutiny over Kimmel’s monologue about the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk. Lindelof described the suspension as “shocking, disheartening and infuriating,” vowing he “cannot in good conscience” associate with the company responsible until the show returns.

Relevance and context

Lindelof’s boycott highlights tensions between creative freedom and corporate caution amid political pressures on broadcasters. As a longtime Disney collaborator-having co-created Lost for ABC and worked on Lucasfilm projects-his protest carries notable weight in Hollywood.

Fallout and solidarity

• Creative alliances: Other writers and directors, including Boots Riley, have publicly supported Kimmel and called for industry-wide action against Disney.
• Union voices: The Writers Guild of America issued a statement decrying corporate “timidity” and defending free speech, while protests erupted outside Disney’s Burbank lot Wednesday morning.
• Corporate calculus: Disney executives face pressure from broadcast affiliates like Nexstar and Sinclair, which have preempted Kimmel’s show amid a pending FCC merger review.

What’s next

With ABC’s decision driven by regulatory and affiliate dynamics, the fate of Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains uncertain. Lindelof’s ultimatum places additional spotlight on Disney’s handling of talent relations and free expression, setting the stage for further industry debate-and possibly more high-profile boycotts-if the suspension persists.