Disney CEO Bob Iger's Legacy, Not Politics, Drove Jimmy Kimmel's Suspension: Sources

Disney CEO Bob Iger and Jimmy Kimmel

Jimmy Kimmel's weeklong suspension from his late-night program was driven more by Disney CEO Bob Iger's concern for his legacy than by political considerations, according to multiple ABC insiders.

Jimmy Kimmel Live! was temporarily removed from the airwaves last week following controversial remarks about the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The comments sparked significant backlash from right-wing circles and major broadcasting groups. Nexstar Media Group, which operates nearly 200 television stations, threatened to pull Mr. Kimmel's show from its ABC affiliates. Disney, as ABC's parent company, faced mounting pressure.

This escalating situation thrust Bob Iger into a difficult position. "While [Iger] may present himself as a polished Hollywood nice guy, he's quite pragmatic. Business always comes first," an ABC insider revealed to Page Six.

Another source noted, "His personal friendship with Jimmy made the suspension decision particularly challenging."

For Mr. Iger, sources indicated the decision transcended immediate controversy. "Though [Iger] will always remain wealthy, if the FCC relationship deteriorates and ABC faces financial consequences, he's ultimately affected," another insider explained. "He aspires to be remembered as a visionary comparable to Walt Disney."

"His actions were guided by principles and commitment to what was best for the company," one source clarified.

Following the suspension, some consumers, including Hollywood celebrities, canceled their Disney streaming subscriptions in protest. U.S. President Donald Trump, a frequent target of Mr. Kimmel's comedic monologues, expressed approval of the suspension.

On Monday, ABC announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would return to the air after "thoughtful conversations" with the host.

ABC has previously removed on-air personalities during controversies, including Bill Maher, whose show Politically Incorrect was canceled in 2002, and correspondent Brian Ross, who was dismissed in 2018.

In Mr. Kimmel's situation, the network opted for reinstatement. Insiders described this resolution as "the perfect compromise."

His return generated varied responses. Nexstar and Sinclair indicated they would continue keeping the show off their affiliate stations, while Stephen Colbert joked on CBS, "Our long national late nightmare is over."