Michael Eisner, the former CEO of Disney who departed the company two decades ago, has publicly criticized the current senior leadership, including chief Bob Iger, over ABC's decision to indefinitely suspend Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show. In a post on X, Eisner questioned, “Where has all the leadership gone?” and argued that the suspension, which followed aggressive threats from the Chairman of the FCC, was an example of “out-of-control intimidation.” He added that Kimmel is “very talented and funny,” suggesting a personal endorsement.

ABC announced Kimmel’s indefinite suspension after two major station groups, Nexstar and Sinclair, which collectively operate around 70 ABC affiliates, declared they were dropping “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” These actions were triggered by comments Kimmel made on his September 15 show regarding the murder of Charlie Kirk. Earlier, FCC chair Brendan Carr had stated on a podcast that if ABC did not “take action” concerning Kimmel, the network and its affiliates would face “additional work for the FCC ahead,” warning, “We can do this the easy way or the hard way.”

The controversy stems from Kimmel's remarks on September 15, where he said, “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize the kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it.” This was interpreted by MAGA supporters as Kimmel asserting Kirk's assassin was “one of them,” despite officials identifying the suspect with a “leftist ideology.” Kimmel further incensed the right by mocking then-President Trump’s seemingly indifferent response to a reporter’s question about Kirk’s assassination, comparing his reaction to a “4-year-old mourns a goldfish.”

Disney and ABC now face a formidable dilemma. If “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is reinstated, they risk alienating conservatives, including President Trump and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who have called for Kimmel's removal. Conversely, if ABC permanently parts ways with Kimmel, the network will be condemned by those on the left for succumbing to political pressure and abandoning First Amendment principles. This situation has already drawn criticism from numerous Hollywood guilds and prompted protests in Los Angeles and New York. The company has previously faced backlash for a $15 million settlement with President Trump after an ABC News anchor made an incorrect assertion. Legal experts suggest ABC had a winnable case in that instance.

The financial and reputational stakes are significant. Consumers have threatened to boycott Disney’s theme parks and cancel streaming subscriptions in protest. Trump has amplified the pressure, warning that the FCC might revoke licenses of broadcasters who criticize him, asserting that 97% of broadcast news coverage is “against me.” While there is no national “license” for ABC, and the FCC grants licenses to local broadcasters, the implied threat creates uncertainty. From a business standpoint, the boycott by Nexstar (32 ABC affiliates) and Sinclair (38 ABC affiliates) represents a substantial portion—approximately one-third—of ABC’s national stations, which could severely impact ratings and advertising revenue if sustained.

Nexstar president of broadcasting Andrew Alford indicated their affiliates pulled Kimmel’s show to “let cooler heads prevail,” suggesting potential reinstatement. However, Sinclair, known for its conservative leanings, has issued stringent demands: Kimmel must apologize to Kirk’s family, make a “meaningful personal donation” to them and to Turning Point USA (Kirk’s organization), and formal discussions must be held with ABC regarding the network’s commitment to professionalism and accountability. Sinclair even plans to air a Charlie Kirk tribute special in Kimmel’s timeslot on its ABC affiliate stations. Meanwhile, congressional Democrats have called for Carr’s resignation, alleging he improperly used his FCC position to pressure broadcasters, an act tantamount to government abridgment of First Amendment rights. The perception is that Nexstar and Sinclair may be attempting to curry favor with Carr amidst the FCC’s review of the 39% national audience reach cap on local TV ownership.

Eisner’s tenure at Disney, from 1984 to 2005, overlapped briefly with “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” which debuted in 2003. Last year, during a proxy fight by Nelson Peltz for Disney board seats, Eisner publicly supported Bob Iger, stating that bringing in inexperienced disruptors would be detrimental and that the company was “in excellent hands.” His recent strong criticism of Iger’s regime marks a significant shift, highlighting the deep divisions and intense scrutiny surrounding Disney’s handling of the Kimmel controversy.