Full Breakdown
Disney Suspends Jimmy Kimmel Live! After Charlie Kirk Comments; Iger Defends Decision
6/25/2026, 8:58:55 PM
Suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! After Charlie Kirk Comments
ABC, owned by Disney, pulled “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from its schedule after the host’s September 17, 2025 monologue referenced the September 10 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Disney described the remarks as “ill-timed and probably inappropriate” and asked Kimmel to acknowledge the tone. The program returned on September 23, 2025.
Background to the Remarks
Charlie Kirk was shot dead at a public speaking event on September 10, 2025. In his September 17 monologue, Kimmel named the “MAGA gang,” criticized politicizing the killing, and showed a clip of President Donald Trump moving to other topics. The remarks drew criticism from the Trump administration and the FCC.
Timeline
- Sept. 10, 2025 – Charlie Kirk killed.
- Sept. 17 – Kimmel’s monologue; ABC suspends show.
- Sept. 18-22 – protests in Hollywood; Rep. Laura Friedman joins.
- Sept. 23 – show resumes.
- June 24, 2026 – Iger discusses suspension.
- Mar 18, 2026 – Iger steps down, Josh D’Amaro becomes CEO.
Official Statements
Bob Iger told the *Financial Times* the suspension “was not to appease the Trump administration” but reflected Disney’s view that Kimmel’s remarks were “in bad taste.” Disney’s network called the comments “ill-timed and insensitive” and said Kimmel was asked to acknowledge that assessment. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr warned could take “additional work” if broadcasters failed to address the issue.
Criticism & Opposition
President Trump repeatedly demanded Kimmel’s removal and warned of testing ABC. FCC Chairman Carr threatened to “do this the easy way or the hard way.” In contrast, entertainers such as Ben Stiller, Pedro Pascal and Mark Ruffalo defended Kimmel and urged consumer boycotts of Disney. Melania Trump’s post accused Kimmel of fostering “hateful and violent rhetoric.”
On-the-Ground Reports
Demonstrators gathered outside ABC’s Hollywood studios on September 18, 2025, and Rep. Laura Friedman (D-CA) joined a protest on September 22, citing free-speech concerns.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Disney says the suspension was content-based; Trump and supporters claim it was political retaliation. Sources differ on length, with some describing a five-day pre-emptive period and others calling it “indefinite” while noting the show’s return on September 23. The FCC’s warning outcome remains unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We hit 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.” — Jimmy Kimmel, Host
- “We thought it was in bad taste.” — Bob Iger, Former Disney CEO
- “We can do this the easy way or the hard way.” — Brendan Carr, FCC Chairman
- “hateful and violent rhetoric.” — Melania Trump, First Lady
Outlook
The incident highlights tensions among media firms, political actors, and regulators. Disney’s leadership change may affect future handling of politically sensitive content, while ongoing FCC scrutiny could influence broadcast licensing. Observers will watch how editorial independence and political pressure balance in subsequent decisions.
