Disney Holds Crisis Talks Over Jimmy Kimmel Show’s Suspension

Walt Disney executives are set to meet with Jimmy Kimmel amid ABC’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! to determine whether the show can return to the air. The meeting comes in the wake of widespread criticism of Kimmel’s remarks on the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk — comments which drew sharp rebukes from broadcasters and regulators across the United States.

ABC, owned by Disney, pulled the late-night show indefinitely after affiliates including Nexstar and Sinclair objected to Kimmel’s monologue, which accused political figures of exploiting Kirk’s death for partisan gain. Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr warned that airing content framed in such a way could expose broadcasters to investigations or penalties.

Sinclair, the biggest operator of ABC-affiliated television stations, went further than merely preempting the show. The company demanded that Kimmel make a direct apology to Kirk’s family and donate to the activist organisation Turning Point USA before it considers airing the show again. Sinclair also called for formal discussions with ABC on standards of professionalism and accountability.

Damon Lindelof, co-creator of Lost, is among industry figures protesting the suspension. He criticised ABC’s decision as worrying for artistic freedom and said he would refuse to work with Disney unless Jimmy Kimmel Live! is reinstated. Lindelof described the move as “shocking, saddening and infuriating.”

The Fox-affiliated media landscape is watching closely as this unfolds against heightened scrutiny of media speech. Critics argue that the suspension demonstrates increasing pressure from political actors on broadcasters; supporters of ABC’s decision maintain that broadcasters must guard community values and avoid content judged offensive or destabilising.