Disney's ex-CEO, Michael Eisner, voices dissent over Jimmy Kimmel's suspension, advocates for strong leadership
Disney CEO's Outcry Over Suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's Show Amid Controversy
A heated debate has erupted on social media following the indefinite suspension of late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel's program, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, by Disney. The move was reportedly in response to Kimmel's comments about the suspected assassin of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner, who helmed the company from 1984 to 2005, denounced the decision in an X post on Friday. Eisner seemed to take a jab at President Donald Trump, stating that he finds Kimmel very talented and funny.
Eisner's post suggested that the federal government pressured Disney into suspending the ABC late-night show, implying it was an attack on free speech. He expressed the same view, stating that the suspension was a result of out-of-control intimidation.
Many liberal commentators and Hollywood voices have accused the Trump administration of pressuring Disney and ABC into censoring Kimmel. This claim was echoed by Eisner, who stated that such actions would only be possible under a revised First Amendment.
Notably, Disney CEO Bob Iger spoke out against the suspension, expressing his disagreement with the decision. Eisner's post, however, did not express support for Kimmel's comments about the suspected assassin of Charlie Kirk.
The controversy began when Kimmel seemingly suggested that the suspected assassin of Kirk, Tyler Robinson, was a MAGA supporter during his late-night opening monologue on Monday. This comment sparked outrage, with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair Brendan Carr calling Kimmel's comments some of the sickest conduct in an interview with conservative commentator Benny Johnson.
Carr also suggested there were potential avenues the FCC could pursue to hold ABC accountable for Kimmel's comments. Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair, which own hundreds of TV stations, announced they would be preempting Kimmel's program on their ABC affiliates.
An ABC reporter called the alleged Charlie Kirk assassin's text messages to his transgender partner very touching. The outrage on social media grew following Jimmy Kimmel's comments, with many expressing concern over freedom of speech and censorship.
The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! was announced by Disney on Wednesday, with the show being preempted indefinitely. The controversy continues to unfold, with Eisner's post and Iger's statement adding fuel to the debate.
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