Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner critiques Jimmy Kimmel's suspension, expresses doubts about free speech, and wonders aloud where the leadership has vanished: "What happened to strong leadership?"
Michael Eisner, the former CEO of Disney who oversaw the company during its 'Disney renaissance' era, has voiced his opposition to the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show, 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'.
Eisner, who ran Disney from 1984 to 2005 and was responsible for the release of iconic films such as The Little Mermaid and The Lion King, expressed his concern in a post published on Friday. He called the suspension 'yet another example of out-of-control intimidation'.
The suspension of Kimmel's show was a result of his critical comments about the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which were deemed offensive and insensitive by Nexstar Media, one of ABC’s largest station operators. Nexstar decided to replace 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' on its affiliated channels.
Eisner also criticised the pressure placed on Disney by Brendan Carr, the chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Carr had threatened action against Disney, claiming that Kimmel was misleading the public.
In his post, Eisner questioned why business and academic leaders are not speaking up in defense of free expression. He urged university presidents, law firm managing partners, and corporate chief executives to stand up against bullies for the First Amendment.
Eisner, however, has not expressed support for the comments made by Jimmy Kimmel in his monologue. He did, however, express his opinion that Kimmel is very talented and funny.
Tatiana Maslany, an actress, has called for a Disney Plus boycott following Jimmy Kimmel's suspension. The controversy surrounding Kimmel's show has made him the most prominent figure in the entertainment industry to weigh in on the issue.
As of now, both Kimmel and Disney have not commented on Eisner's statements. The future of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' remains uncertain.
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